ENVIRONMENTAL DNA -
ENVIRONMENT
News: DNA from air may help
identify, track animals in the wild: Studies
What's in the news?
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DNA floating in the air can boost biodiversity
conservation efforts across the world, two independent studies found.
Key takeaways:
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Researchers from two teams have independently shown
that environmental DNA (e-DNA) can potentially
identify and monitor terrestrial animals.
Environmental DNA
(eDNA):
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eDNA is DNA shed
by all organisms into their surroundings through natural processes during
their lifetime or after death.
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The genetic material is derived from shed skin cells, mucus, urine, feces, hair
or any organic material released by organisms into their surroundings.
Methods to Detect eDNA:
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It originates from cellular material shed by
organisms (via skin, excrement, etc.) into aquatic or terrestrial environments
that can be sampled and monitored using new
molecular methods.
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The new
non-invasive method can assess the total biodiversity of any ecosystem by
sequencing the DNA fragments found in the environmental samples such as water,
soil or air.
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This method can detect all kinds of organisms, including viruses, bacteria,
archaea, and eukaryotes such as fungi, plants, insects, birds, fish and other
animals.
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This method requires just a few litres of water
sample without any direct capture or counting of species.
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The researchers filter out eDNA from environmental
samples, read their sequences, and thus, identify the source of the eDNA.
Significance:
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eDNA is a powerful tool used in environmental monitoring and biodiversity
studies.
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It allows scientists to detect the presence of
organisms without directly observing them.