What Are the Differences Between ITS and 18S Sequencing in Fungi?
The Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) is a highly variable region in the fungal genome, located between the 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA genes within the eukaryotic ribosomal genome. The ITS sequence generally consists of two sub-regions, ITS1 and ITS2, which are separated by the 5.8S rRNA sequence.
In contrast, the 18S rRNA gene is a conserved region within the fungal ribosomal genome, widely present across eukaryotes, and is commonly used for constructing phylogenetic trees and species identification.
The key differences between these two sequences are as follows:
1. Degree of Variation
The ITS sequence is more variable than the 18S rRNA sequence. Due to its greater variation across species, ITS provides higher resolution for species identification and classification. In contrast, the 18S rRNA sequence is relatively conserved, making it suitable for broader phylogenetic analyses.
2. Species Identification
Due to its high variability, the ITS sequence is more frequently employed in species identification. It offers more detailed information, aiding in the distinction of different species and subspecies. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA sequence is typically utilized for broader classification and phylogenetic analysis.
3. Application Range
The ITS sequence is widely used in species identification and classification within the fungal domain, especially in strain identification and studies of fungal diversity in environmental samples. In comparison, the 18S rRNA sequence is more commonly employed for cross-species phylogenetic analysis, including comparisons between fungi and other biological kingdoms.
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