Extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing of mitochondrial DNA from scent mark and feces in the giant panda

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 1998
Authors:
 Bo Ding, Ya-ping Zhang, Oliver A. Ryder
Publication/Journal:
 Zoo Biology
Publisher:
 A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services
Keywords:
 , ,
ISBN:
 1098-2361
Abstract:

Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:6<499::AID-ZOO3>3.3.CO;2-G To expand the feasibility of applying simple, efficient, non-invasive DNA preparation methods using samples that can be obtained from giant pandas living in the wild, we investigated the use of scent markings and fecal samples. Giant panda–specific oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify a portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region as well as a portion of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene and tRNAThr gene region. A 196 base pair (bp) fragment in the control region and a 449 bp fragment in the cytochrome b gene and tRNAThr gene were successfully amplified. Sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products demonstrated that the two fragments are giant panda sequences. Furthermore, under simulated field conditions we found that DNA can be extracted from fecal samples aged as long as 3 months. Our results suggest that the scent mark and fecal samples are simple, efficient, and easily prepared DNA sources. Zoo Biol 17:499–504, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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