e-DNA

November 7, 2023

A new method developed by the researchers at the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) can help in detection of biodiversity in a more efficient manner.
They followed a molecular approach to extract and read the genetic information encoded in free-floating environmental DNA (eDNA).
- LaCONES is a CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) laboratory headquartered in Hyderabad.
- eDNA is DNA shed by all organisms into their surroundings through natural processes during their lifetime or after death.
The new non-invasive method can assess the total biodiversity of any ecosystem by sequencing the DNA fragments found in the environmental samples such as water, soil or air.
This method can detect all kinds of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes such as fungi, plants, insects, birds, fish and other animals from just a few litres of water sample without any direct capture or counting of species.
The new method is cheaper, faster, and highly scalable to large freshwater and marine ecosystems which can help in monitoring and conserving the rich biodiversity of our country.