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. The method both eliminates the use of liquid N-2 and delays the use of toxic chemicals in the initial extraction steps; thus, it is appropriate for use in remote field locations. The algal samples were ground in a solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) at room temperature and then stored for 1 week in the CTAB-PVPP solution at room temperature before extraction with chloroform-isoamyl alcohol and purification by cesium chloride ultracentrifugation. No degradation of DNA was observed. Hybridization of RsaI-digested Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. DNA with the M13 repeat probe yielded a DNA fingerprint with 12 discrete bands 4-19 kb in molecular size.