The new microscope for biologists – DNA barcoding for the description of dark matter of biology and arthropod monitoring

Oleksandr Zinenko, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

Taras Shevchenk Kyiv National University (Ukraine)

31 May and 1 July 2025

This May and July, Oleksandr Zinenko of the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University organised the “The new microscope for biologists – DNA barcoding for the description of dark matter of biology and arthropod monitoring” citizen science event at Taras Shevchenk Kyiv National University (Ukraine).

A total of 5 students of the Institute of Biology and Medicine, who specialise in the department of Ecology and Zoology, took part in the workshop. The students were involved in theorethical sessions, discussions of biodiversity and DNA methods related topics and laboratory sessions during which all stages of DNA barcoding were performed: collection, traditional identification, registration and wet lab procedures.

Goals
The goal was to introduce the audience to the basic concepts of DNA barcoding, highlighting its potential applications and prospects in Ukraine. The session aimed to teach methods of DNA extraction and amplification, while also demonstrating the versatility and robustness of these universal techniques for biodiversity description.

Content
The workshop provided minimal but sufficient knowledge and skills for undergraduate students to prepare them for independent work in the field of DNA barcoding. During the workshop the students;

  • Got to know each other
  • Got an introduction of BGE and its activities
  • Had an explanation about laboratory rules
  • Had hands-on activitites (such as; collecting identifying and registering insect in the backyars of the University)
  • Got to know more about non-destructive DNA extraction, PCR electrophoresis
  • Theory and practical in sequence data analyses (barcodes QC, identification, databases and sharing results)

Header:  Participants during the ‘The new microscope for biologists – DNA barcoding for the description of dark matter of biology and arthropod monitoring’ in Ukraine. Images by: BGE / Oleksandr Zinenko, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University