Computer Networks

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Computer Networks the Canadian Barcode of Life
NetworkBy Gary W. Saunders

• Algal phylogeny
• understanding how algae are related to one
  another
• the evolution of their many unusual features
• Biodiversity monitoring inventories
• Detailed species lists for an area
• Identifying new records
• Discovering new species

J. Huisman
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We look directly at DNA

• stored in nucleus, mitochondrion chloroplast
  (plants)
• Codes the genetic information for all of life as
  a series of four molecules
• ATGCTGCAT
• Records the history of life as well
• Related species have similar DNA
• Individuals of a species have essentially the
  same DNA

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• Two of the Mazzaella spp. in the British Columbia
  flora
• M. splendens broad blade tapering to short
  stipe
• M. linearis linear blade with prominent stipe
• Problem of morphological intermediates

3 cm.
Mazzaella linearis? splendens? sp. nov.?
Mazzaella splendens
Mazzaella linearis
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DNA Barcode results

• By comparing DNA fingerprints we can resolve
  complex species issues
• DNA fingerprints can be used to quickly and
  accurately assign unknown specimens to a
  biological species

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Canadian Barcode of Life Network

• Acquire a genetic barcode (DNA fingerprint) for
  every species in Canada
• In essence, by determining this short bit of DNA
  for a sample, any species could be identified by
  anyone, eventually anywhere - handheld device
• Removes the need for dedicated taxonomic
  expertise for routine species identification
• Powerful tool for identification of
• Invasive species
• Pathogens/contaminants in food, agriculture,
  forestry, medicine (e.g., identify animal
  products in cattle feed)
• Assist species identification in environmental
  and ecological investigations

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Developing a Barcode Database

• Acquire a genetic barcode (DNA fingerprint) for
  every species in Canada
• Massive task - millions of species in Canada
• Require nation-wide investment in personnel
  resources
• Initial fingerprint requires substantial
  taxonomic expertise (i.e., experts on the
  different groups of life from protists, fungi,
  plants to animals)
• Experts are not concentrated at a core facility,
  but distributed at universities museums across
  the country
• Generate a searchable database
• end-users (academic, government agencies,
  industry) can search for the identity of unknown
  species by checking DNA fingerprint

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Computer Networks Are Key to Canadian Barcode of
Life Network

• Canada-wide collaborative initiative
• Physically decentralized
• Involves researchers from Government, Museums
  Herbaria, University academics
• Includes players from British Columbia to Nfld
• Virtually centralized via the internet at the
  University of Guelph in Ontario
• Daily communication via email
• Acquire information from the net
• Provide information to the net

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Example Node Saunders Lab at UNB

• Taxonomic expertise
• Marine freshwater macroalgae
• Geographical scope
• Canada wide - direct collection samples
  provided by peers in other regions
• Method
• Collect samples
• Identify species document attributes
• Determine DNA fingerprint
• Upload data to BOLD - searchable database for end
  users

J. Huisman
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Marine Macroalgae of Canada
Research completed at UNB data are uploaded
(Guelph) managed by GWS from anywhere with web
access.
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Entry for Each Collection

• Species name classification
• Voucher location
• Image
• Distribution collection site for that sample
• DNA barcode

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DNA Barcode (fingerprint)
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Searchable Database for End-users from Anywhere
with Web Access
ENTER SEQUENCE FROM UNKNOWN SPECIES HERE SEARCH
DATABASE
Rapid Accurate Species Identification
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Conclusions

• Research Networking via Computer Networks
• Bringing together a broad range of scientists
  from across Canada to complete a task of
  considerable benefit to the nation that would not
  otherwise be feasible
• Opens opportunities for experts working at small
  and/or remote institutions to contribute without
  the need for relocation