Research Training Program

Amy Adams
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, Washington

M.G. Harasewych, Ph.D.
Project Advisor
Department of Invertebrate Zoology

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A comparison of DNA extraction protocols using Molluscan tissues

This research project involved a methods analysis of mollusk DNA extraction in the museum's Division of Mollusks. The goal was to find a method of extraction which produced DNA in appropriate yields and purity to be used for PCR and sequencing. Three protocols were tested on four different tissue preparation types (whole, powdered, alcohol, and formalin). The long term results of this project might have significant implications for future DNA research.Relatively pure DNA was extracted from formalin fixed tissue, a process that has had variable results in the past. If this DNA can be amplified and sequenced, this extraction method could be applied toward molecular systematics research using museum specimens with formalin fixed tissues. Also during this time, extractions were made of many frozen mollusk tissues for amplification and sequencing. This DNA will be used by Dr. Harasewych and his colleagues in the construction of a Molluscan phylogeny. SEM photos were also taken of hadal mollusks. Also, SEM stubs were prepared for these exercises. The SEM photos will be used by Dr. Harasewych in describing several species of deep-sea mollusks. During this time a database system was constructed using Paradox.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (Award: BIR-9300225).