A FIELD-COMPATIBLE METHOD FOR EXTRACTION OF FINGERPRINT-QUALITY DNA FROM MACROCYSTIS-PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)

A method for extracting DNA from laminarialean algae resulting in DNA of sufficient quantity and purity for DNA fingerprints is presented. T he method both eliminates the use of liquid N-2 and delays the use of toxic chemicals in the initial extraction steps; thus, it is appropria te for use in remote field locations. The algal samples were ground in a solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVPP) at room temperature and then stored for 1 week in t he CTAB-PVPP solution at room temperature before extraction with chlor oform-isoamyl alcohol and purification by cesium chloride ultracentrif ugation. No degradation of DNA was observed. Hybridization of RsaI-dig ested Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. DNA with the M13 repeat probe y ielded a DNA fingerprint with 12 discrete bands 4-19 kb in molecular s ize.