Popis: |
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 SiO 2 ), is particularly useful for limited amounts of starting material, as exemplified by the isolation of DNA from ascomata of Arthonia molendoi 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. |