UTEX can identify algal strains to the level of Genus, and sometimes Species, using microscopy and DNA-barcoding techniques. Some strains have identifying characteristics that allow identification to the level of Genus using light microscopy. UTEX can identify algal strains to the level of Species by sequencing their rDNA (18s, 5.9s, and/or ITS 2 regions) or at a minimum determine the most closely related species for which there is sequence data available.