Identifikasi Molekuler dan Keragaman Genetik Rumput Laut Padina Sp. dengan Gen Penanda RbcL di Perairan Tapanuli Tengah, Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Padina sp. seaweed is one of the brown macroalgae species (Phaeophyta) that has high economic and ecological potential. Species identification based on morphology is often inaccurate due to variations in phenotypes due to differences in environmental conditions. Therefore, this study aims to identify species and determine the genetic diversity of molecular Padina sp. using DNA barcoding method with rbcl marker gene. Samples were collected from three locations in the waters of Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, including Pulau Pane Beach, Pandaratan Beach, and Batu Gajah Beach. The molecular identification process was carried out through several stages, namely DNA extraction, amplification by PCR, electrophoresis, and sequencing. The results of molecular identification through BLAST showed that all samples had similarities of 98.85%-98.99% with Padina boryana from Genbank (LC487939.1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all samples were in one clade and belonged to one haplotype, indicating low genetic diversity between populations. These findings are important as a basis for conservation and sustainable management of marine biological resources in the region.