Molecular Characterization of Marine Sponges : Molecular characterization and sequencing of 18S rDNA gene of red beard sponge, Clathria reinwardti (Vosmaer, 1880)

The molecular identification and sequencing of 18S rRNA gene were carried out from collected sponges. BLAST results shown the present sequence of Clathria reinwardti 18S rRNA with 1770 score and 92% identical with the Microcionidae family; 90% identical with the Mycale fibrexilis. Hence the marine sponges from Rameshwaram (South East Coast of India) showed 4% (sample 1) & 3% (sample 2) divergence from Clathria reinwardti (Vosmaer, 1880).