Context

The eDNA monitoring is a very common tool among researchers and regulatory agencies and the sampling of eDNA can help in determining the presence of organisms in a particular environment.

About

About eDNA

• DNA is the genetic material present in the cells of most living beings and animals and plants shed cells through the interaction with the environment.
• Over the time, environmental elements degrade the cells and expel the DNA.
• The size of DNA is quite small and is resilient that it can persist in the environment for months and years.
• Scientists call these DNA as residual or environmental DNA (eDNA).

How the eDNA study is conducted?

• The PCR is used to amplify DNA from the mitochondria of the trapped cells.

PCR or the polymerase chain reaction It is a chemical reaction that identifies the presence of specific DNA in a sample and rapidly makes multiple copies or amplifies its presence. GenBank It is a repository of all known genetic sequences.

• The amplified DNA is then sequenced to have the genetic sequence.
• The sequenced DNA is compared with the sequences with those stored in an international database called GenBank to look for matches.

Significance of Study

• Presence study:Sampling eDNA can help in determining the presence of organisms in a particular environment.
• Varied study:eDNA has allowed scientists
  • to surveil invasive species
  • to study the spread of fungi and pollen in geographical regions
  • to monitor aquatic environments