Is it possible to realize non-invasive sampling Want to know which species live in a particular area? Can you find out whether they are coming or not in the same way? pests anyone invasive species? Is it possible to know if it still exists? endangered species Or is it very rare? Can we evaluate it this way? health of an ecosystem? The answer to all these questions is yes, thank you environmental genetics.
Current technology allows us to take water samples and find what’s inside. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of every species that lives there. An example: Just over a year ago, a group of scientists discovered evidence of 187 taxonomic orders from just 20 liters of water collected on Everest.
Environmental genetics offers many possibilities. study of ecosystemsA prominent feature compared to other techniques High reliability in detecting and identifying species. Moreover, DNA is a very special molecule: The code for all life on Earth It contains the cellular instructions for creating every living thing, from bacteria to humans.
Since DNA is unique to each species, we can say that it is like the barcode of a product in the supermarket. And there is usually enough DNA in the environment to identify which species it belongs to. Without seeing them or catching them.
This methodology results especially useful when working with rare or very small speciesor when operating in environments where it is impossible to observe or trap them.
Sea creatures constantly release their DNA into the environment (mucus, feces, tissue particles). Scientists call this released DNA as follows: Environmental DNA or eDNA. eDNA can be captured and processed by taking a water sample. Genetic fingerprint of an ecosystem and learn more about the creatures that live there.
High sensitivity and sensitivity
employment Environmental DNA (eDNA) It allows the genetic identification of species found in aquatic ecosystems. high sensitivity and sensitivitywithout having to catch or harm them; even if the species is present in low abundance.
All this makes this technique ideal for: biosecurity studies; For example, it can be used for early warning of invasive or pathogenic species, as well as for their research and monitoring. protected or endangered species.
eDNA collection in the marine environment is a A fast, cost-effective and safe alternative to common tracking methods such as visual studies, video, multi-beam sonar or fishing recordings.
How it works: A scientist collects water from a location using sampling tools. Samples are labeled with their latitude and longitude, depth, and filter materials, as well as the salinity and temperature of where the water was collected.
The eDNA is then separated from the water by a cellulose nitrate membrane filter and subjected to further processing. cleaning operations. Each eDNA sample is then frozen or stored in a buffer, which is an aqueous solution that prevents the sample from degradation and makes the DNA soluble. This allows DNA to be stored for years; This is important when scientists encounter a problem. unknown species and they need to examine the samples.
Once collected, eDNA samples are sent to the laboratory for testing. arrangement. DNA strands have four bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, abbreviated by their first letters), and each organism has a different A, G, C or T pattern.
Non-invasive technology
Scientists barcode or label each base sequence in a process called bar meta coding. These samples are then compared to other samples in the DNA database and The family, genus, or species of the organism can be determined.
eDNA one emerging technology It has many benefits that complement traditional sampling efforts. eDNA does not require interaction with living organismsthat makes it a non-invasive sampling technology. It may also offer a window into the lives of organisms that are not videotaped or avoid the lights of remote-controlled vehicles or platforms.
Further: eDNA can detect a wide range of marine life, from bacteria to whalesgreatly expands the scope of an expedition.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), headquartered in Canberra, Australia, published a report. Road map It was created in consultation with many experts to demonstrate how eDNA technologies can be better integrated. large scale marine monitoring and what the future will bring.
Until now, most eDNA research has focused on detecting aquatic species because it is relatively easy to collect, concentrate, and extract from liquids. But now species lists can be generated based on eDNA from soil, air, sediments and virtually any environmental substratethrough feces, hair, leaves, pollen, honey…
Opportunities to use eDNA for environmental monitoring and management (e.g. in marine parks) include: detecting pest species, Discover rare and endangered species, Providing data across multiple species to characterize ecosystems And detect changes in environmental conditions.
Csiro Roadmap: https://www.csiro.au/-/media/NCMI/Files/23-00541_NCMI_REPORT_eDNARoadmap_WEB_231110.pdf
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Contact address of the environmental department:krisclimatica@prensaiberica.es
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.