Taxonomic identification of phytoplankton has been a difficult task, even for the experienced taxonomist.
Many non-descript, yet abundant, phytoplanktons do exist without distinguishing features which cause difficulties in
morphological identification. Using PCR(polymerase chain reaction)-DGGE(denaturing gradient gel
electrophoresis)method, which is known to be a powerfulfingerprinting technique to analyze diversity and dynamics
of microbial populations, this study aimed to find the way to overcome the limitation of morphological
identification. As a result, a total of 46 bands from samples in five lakes were detected in September and 27 bands
in November. Fingerprinting results showed convenient and comparative analyses among each sampling site. In this
study, PCR-DGGE method was used to figure out diversity and dynamics of plankton community in the lakes of
North-Han River system. Also, the possibility of DGGE technique as an identification tool for phytoplankton was
estimated.