METHODS FOR GENOMIC DNA ISOLATION IN SOME RARE FISH SPECIES

Abstract

The present study was aimed at economically isolating a significant amount of DNA from certain fish tissue without any potential damage. For this purpose, tissue from fins was preferably chosen, since it is subject to rapid regeneration. The isolation of genomic DNA is a fundamental step in the study of the genetic diversity and phylogeny of species. The protocol should be effective, less time consuming, economical and non-traumatic, especially for rare, endemic and endangered species. A total of 16 tissue samples from the fins of two rare fish species were used for DNA extraction. Some modifications to the spin column and DNA isolation kit methods resulted in large quantities of high quality DNA, which were isolated from live fish and immediately preserved in ethanol. Modifications include using more Proteinase K and slightly increasing the time for the lysis process due to the rigid structure of the fin. The DNA extracted by the two methods was sufficiently pure, of high quality, and suitable for subsequent PCR amplification. This method is particularly suitable for DNA isolation of endangered, endemic and rare species, since it requires a minimum amount of tissue fragment without any harmful effect on the fish.