DNA barcoding is a tool for species identification and classification, overcoming traditional limitations; being fundamental for multiple studies and applications. This article will review the progress of the application of DNA barcoding for algal identification; as it presents advantages such as accuracy in species identification, its applicability to various stages and conditions for ecological studies and intraspecific genetic variability, which according to its approach will depend on several factors. DNA barcoding applications in microalgae, such as its molecular identification, is fundamental for diversity and ecology; expanding knowledge about microalgae; being useful in monitoring harmful algae (HABs) that are a danger to aquatic ecosystems; In addition, DNA barcoding of microalgae is used in biotechnology and food industries. In Peru, taxonomic research is of lesser incidence because there is no method that provides precise identification at the species level, among other reasons, but this DNA barcoding technique has proven to be an efficient tool for research in the conservation and management of organisms that are difficult to access or complex to differentiate, such as microalgae. To conclude, DNA barcoding represents an essential tool in modern microalgae research, which should be developed in Peru, as it has significant potential to advance our knowledge and management of these crucial organisms in Peruvian aquatic ecosystems

One of the major agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal resource in the plant kingdom is the family of Cucurbitaceae, which is also recognized for its richness in carotenoids, terpenoids and triterpenoids. Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD) plays a crucial role in the mevalonate pathway by catalyzing a key step in isoprenoid biosynthesis, which is important for plant growth as well as for responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite its metabolic relevance, comparative analyses of the MVD gene and protein in cucurbits remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize MVD gene and protein in Cucurbitaceae using in silico approaches. Homology searches, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic and selective pressure analyses, physicochemical characterization, structural prediction, conserved motif analysis, cis-regulatory element prediction, and public expression profiling were performed. The predicted proteins showed high conservation in amino acid sequence, motif organization, and structural conformation, with lengths ranging from 398 to 424 aa. Descriptive FPKM-based transcriptomic profiles in Cucumis sativus showed higher MVD expression values in reproductive tissues and an apparent increase under powdery mildew infection. These findings suggest a potential role of the MVD gene in the Cucurbitaceae family and provide an exploratory framework for future studies on terpenoid and triterpenoid metabolism, promoter regulation, and stress-associated transcriptional responses.