DNA ISOLATION FROM LICHEN ASCOMATA

Analysis of DNA from the fungal component of lichens requires selective protocols to isolate its DNA from that of its symbiotic partner. In the present study, we describe a method for extraction of DNA from fungal ascomata, a source of algal-free mycelium. This method, which includes a DNA precipitation onto glassmilk (=ground SiO2), is particularly useful for limited amounts of starting material, as exemplified by the isolation of DNA from ascomata of Arthonia malendoi growing parasitically on the lichen Xanthoria elegans. The protocol is effective for the isolation of high-quality DNA from cultured fungi, herbarium specimens and lichens high in polysaccharide content. This new protocol makes possible the examination of many fungi until now thought intractable to DNA methods.