eDNA
@Zerina Rahic
Introduction to eDNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that is released from an organism into the environment. Sources of eDNA include secreted feces, mucous, and gametes; shed skin and hair; and carcasses. eDNA can be detected in cellular or extracellular (dissolved DNA) form. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a rapid, non-invasive, cost-efficient biodiversity monitoring tool with enormous potential to inform aquatic conservation and management. Environmental DNA serves as a molecular tool that offers a solution through rapid, sensitive, cost effective, non - invasive monitoring which promises the enhancement of understanding of global biodiversity.
This DNA can be captured, amplified, identified, and assigned, allowing taxonomic composition and distribution to be inferred. Current eDNA approaches largely use PCR-based methods, where DNA is amplified using targeted approaches to detect single-species or non-targeted approaches to examine community composition (Lawson Handley, 2015)
In aquatic environments, eDNA is diluted and distributed by currents and other hydrological processes (fig. 1), but it only lasts about 7–21 days, depending on environmental conditions (Dejean and others, 2011). Exposure to UVB radiation, acidity, heat, and endo- and exonucleases can degrade eDNA.
References