Isolation of DNA from Preserved Specimens

Abstract

Fresh tissue/blood samples provide the best sources of DNA for biological analyses, but their availability is often limited. Although cryopreservation (freezing) has proved to be the most effective method for preserving various tissues, the most routine and popular ways for preserving animal samples are to use alcohol, formalin or buffered solutions as preservatives. To study population biology, systematics and biodiversity at the molecular level, it may be of great interest in many cases to have some historical knowledge about the species or populations in question; and researchers sometimes need to re-examine previous studies. Furthermore, sample collection for many species, or populations, may not be possible at a given time because of difficulties and costs due to remoteness, population decline or even extinction.