Use of "Lysis Buffer" in DNA isolation and its implication for museum collections

Many molecular techniques require relatively large quantities of high molecular weight DNA and several protocols for collection are well established if there are unlimited numbers of samples or if all procedures can be performed under the stable conditions afforded in a laboratory. Unfortunately, the collection of DNA for many species, populations, or samples does not afford such stable conditions. Conservation genetic studies of rare and endangered species often force opportunistic collections which involve road or other accidental kills, exploitation of dead animals at zoos, collection under extreme field conditions, etc. The method described be low, which is a modification of a procedure described by First, relatively small amounts of tissue routinely provide laige quantities of DNA, including both nuclear and mitochon drial components. Second, this method consistently yields high molecular weight DNA that can be used for all molecular techniques including cosmid library con struction. Third, nuclear DNA can be obtained from essentially any tissue that contains nucleated cells. This would include, but not be limited to, nucleated red blood cells of lower vertebrates and birds, muscle, heart, liver, kidney, testes, embryonic tissue from placentas or eggs.