Professor Faisal Mushtaq Kichloo, Head of the Department of Botany at Government Degree College in Kishtwar District of J&K discovered a rare and unique mushroom genus was discovered for the first time in India using Molecular Phylogeny.
- A scientist from New Zealand confirmed the discovery, which was published in a renowned international research journal, making it a novel addition to the mycological landscape of the region.
First Such Mushroom Genus Found in India
The identification of this unique mushroom genus was accomplished through meticulous morpho-microscopic characterization, complemented by Molecular Phylogeny.
- Professor Kichloo's dedication to researching wild mushrooms resulted in finding mushroom genus Taxa that were previously unknown to India.
- The discovery was made in a remote area of district Kishtwar, highlighting the ecological richness of the region.
- This discovery has been recognized globally, as it was reported in an esteemed international research journal.
- This discovery not only adds to the biodiversity archives of District Kishtwar but also underscores the importance of ongoing research efforts in understanding and conserving our natural heritage.
What is Molecular Phylogeny?
- The study of molecular phylogeny involves analyzing the structure of molecules to determine an organism's evolutionary relationships.
- This is typically done by comparing homologous gene sequences.
- By examining conserved sequences, like mitochondrial DNA, and tracking mutations over time at a constant rate, molecular phylogeny can construct a "relationship tree" that maps out the likely evolutionary paths of different organisms.
Applications of Molecular Phylogeny
- DNA barcoding, which uses small segments of mitochondrial or chloroplast DNA to identify individual species, and
- DNA fingerprinting, which can be used to determine paternity.