Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a short fragment of the cytochrome b gene for identification of flatfish species.

Restriction site analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from a conserved region of the cytochrome b gene has been used for the specific identification of sole (Solea solea), European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), flounder (Platichthys flesus), and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). PCR amplification of the cytochrome b gene using a universal primer together with a primer specifically designed as a part of this study produced a 201-bp fragment in all species analyzed. Digestions of the PCR products with Sau3Al, BsmAl, Rsal, and Mn/l endonucleases, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis of the digested PCR products, yielded specific profiles that enabled direct identification of each species analyzed.