DNA Extraction from Cacti

Acquiring DNA samples from humans is as easy as swabbing your cheek with a q-tip, but for other organisms its more complicated. Many techniques for extracting DNA in other organisms have been problematic. Extracting DNA out of cacti used to been done with the epidermis tissue, which proved to be difficult to get a decent sample because evasiveness of retrieving the sample and the mucilage, a polysaccharide-based substance extracted from roots, seeds, etc. Using the spine of plants is significantly less evasive and destructive. In order to use the spine of plants, simply cut a piece of the plant's spine, crush it up, and follow instructions for extraction. This allows for an easier method of sampling than before. When sampling from the epidermis damage to the plant is inevitable, regardless of the size of the sample, which increases the likelihood of pathogens harming the plant. The spine of cacti has significantly less fluid than in the skin layer, and will not expose the plant to harm. This makes this the optimal way to extract; as with all other plants. This is detrimental when using live or endangered specimens, as this could lead to the death of the plant.

By acquiring samples for DNA sequencing in an easier manner, scientists are more able to classify groups comprehensibly, and understand how connected species are to one another. These slight advances in DNA retrieval allow scientists to put more expenses into generating the sequenced data, and ultimately an advancement of the knowledge of species. The facilitation of DNA extraction will allow greater genetic information about cacti and hopefully other plant species in the future. Through the analysis of this DNA, mankind may be able to discover more about the usefulness of each biological species.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130305174653.htm