Extraction of DNA from anostracan cysts (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) for use in RAPD-PCR analyses

Abstract

Like many diapausing crustaceans, anostracans (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) produce encysted embryos capable of surviving the long periods of desiccation typical of their environments. These cysts are far more abundant and are easier to collect than adults and for some applications they are superior to adults as subjects for genetic analysis. Due to the lack of minimal tissue size requirements, PCR-based analysis is the best alternative for genetic study of cysts. We describe a method for the fast extraction of DNA from cysts, yielding template for RAPD-PCR analysis. ©1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers.