Frequently asked questions

Q1: What is DNA and what are its characteristics?

A1: DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and it is a molecule found in the nucleus of cells. It is composed of four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). DNA carries the genetic information that determines the characteristics and traits of living organisms. Each species has a unique arrangement of DNA bases, making it a distinctive genetic fingerprint and serving as an identification for different species.

Q2: What is DNA barcoding?

A2: DNA barcoding is a technique used to identify species by analyzing specific DNA segments within the genome. It involves the analysis of a standardized, sufficiently variable, relatively short, easily amplifiable DNA fragment that can represent the identity of a particular species. DNA barcoding exhibits high levels of uniqueness and repeatability, making it a valuable tool for species identification.

Q3: What are the advantages of DNA molecular identification?

A3: DNA molecular identification is not influenced by environmental or visual factors. It provides objective, rapid, and highly repeatable results. It can quickly and accurately confirm species identity and authenticity, detect adulteration and contamination issues, and requires only a small amount of sample.

Q4: What standards are DNA molecular identification results based on?

A4: For the identification of Chinese medicinal herbs and natural products, our species identification standards are based on the “Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China,” “Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards,” and authoritative scientific journals. Additionally, we also refer to the GenBank database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the United States and the Medicinal Materials DNA Barcode Database (MMDBD) developed by The Chinese University of Hong Kong for DNA sequence comparisons.

Q5: How much sample is required for DNA identification testing services?

A5: DNA identification technology is highly sensitive, and even a small amount of sample is sufficient for testing. However, to ensure the reliability and repeatability of the tests, it is generally recommended for customers of DNA identification testing services to provide a minimum of 10 grams of sample per specimen for analysis.

Q6: How long does it take to complete DNA identification testing?

A6: Generally, the DNA species identification of regular medicinal herb raw materials takes approximately 3 weeks. The testing duration may vary depending on the characteristics of the product and the specific situation. If further processing of the samples is required after the initial examination or if a customized identification testing plan is needed, the testing time will depend on the complexity of the samples and the tests involved.

Q7: Can DNA identification reveal information about the growth environment of a sample?

A7: Since DNA genetic information is inherent and not influenced by the growth environment or age, DNA identification cannot provide information about the growth environment, including climate, soil, geographical location, water sources, etc. Other identification methods are required to assess the growth environment of a sample.

Q8: Can DNA identification detect the medicinal parts of a sample?

A8: Since every cell within an organism carries the same genetic information, DNA identification of different medicinal parts of the same species will yield identical results. Distinguishing the medicinal parts of a sample requires other identification methods.

Q9: Can samples that have undergone high-temperature treatment be subjected to DNA identification?

A9: The structures of DNA molecules and other organic substances within living organisms can be damaged to some extent when subjected to high-temperature treatment. There is a possibility of DNA degradation, which may result in the inability to obtain any DNA identification results. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to test such samples, unless customized testing methods are developed specifically for those samples.

Q10: Can samples that are very old be subjected to DNA identification?

A10: Generally, samples that have been stored for many years may experience DNA degradation due to long-term exposure to bacterial decay. The successful rate of identifying DNA from such samples may decrease. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to test these samples unless customized testing methods are developed specifically for them.

Q11: Can contaminated or mixed samples be subjected to DNA identification?

A11: Contaminated or mixed samples often exhibit more than one DNA profile, making it challenging to distinguish the genetic profiles of each individual sample from the raw data. There is a risk of misinterpretation. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to test these samples unless customized testing methods are developed specifically for them.

Q12: Can medicinal products be subjected to DNA identification?

A12: Yes, they can. Non-raw medicinal products, such as granules, decoctions, etc., can undergo DNA species identification by optimizing DNA extraction and PCR testing conditions. Our research team, with over 30 years of experience in developing identification protocols, can customize the most suitable testing conditions based on the characteristics of the samples provided by the customers.

Q13: If I want to proceed with DNA identification testing, how do I get started?

A13: For inquiries about DNA identification testing services, please call (852) 9168 4421 or email info@origene.hk to reach our business representative. New customers who contact our company to inquire about DNA identification testing services will receive a complimentary sample DNA extraction service for their samples.