DNA Extraction from Old Herbarium Specimens
Author Information
Author(s): Telle Sabine Thines, Marco DeSalle
Primary Institution: University of Hohenheim, Institute of Botany
Hypothesis
Can we successfully amplify DNA from herbarium specimens that are over a hundred years old using minimal tissue?
Conclusion
The study found that using specific DNA extraction protocols and polymerases allows for successful PCR amplification from very small samples of historic herbarium specimens.
Supporting Evidence
- 19 different DNA extraction methods were tested.
- Successful amplification was achieved from samples over 100 years old.
- Only 2 mg of plant material was needed for effective DNA extraction.
Takeaway
Scientists figured out how to get DNA from very old plant samples without using much of the plant, which helps study old plants without ruining them.
Methodology
The study compared 19 DNA extraction methods and 15 DNA polymerases on 2 mg samples of herbarium specimens.
Limitations
The DNA extracted was often highly fragmented and the amplification success varied significantly with the age of the samples.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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