Methods for storing and archiving zoological tissue collections, and identification based on DNA barcoding
Abstract
Along the advantage of molecular genetic methods within the zoological research an increased need of methodical guide that summarizes all the essential information appeared including instructions about sampling of biological material from different kind of organisms and following molecular analysis. In the first part of this guide, proper collection of biological material for genetic analysis from different group of organisms is introduced as well as the basic legal collection aspect.
Subsequently, information about the fixation of tissues for correct DNA preservation and requested storage conditions of tissues for additional molecular steps in the laboratory are provided. Second part is mainly focusing in laboratory steps and molecular genetic analysis.
Readers will find all kind of information about molecular laboratory, including laboratory workflow and instructions for genetic analysis. For each molecular step (DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, sequencing) several different protocols are mentioned.
Researchers can choose according to type of their samples as well as difficulty and/or available budget. In addition to the basic protocols, this guide also provides a protocol for analysing historic samples, precisely speaking the protocol for amplicon sequencing using the next generation sequencing.
Authors believe that this unique publication will be a useful source of information not only for colleagues from different Czech and Slovak museums, but also for wider public (e.g. secondary school and university students).