Survival and growth of mussels subsequent to hemolymph sampling for dna

摘要

With the increasing use of molecular genetic techniques in ecology and evolution, it has become apparent that methods of non-destructive DNA sampling must be developed. In this study we collected 50 blue mussels (Mytilus spp.) in each of three size categories: small (10-20 mm), medium (20-30 mm), and large (30 + mm). Hemolymph was extracted from 25 mussels in each size category and the remaining 25 mussels served as controls. The hemoluymph was extracted and control mussels were monitored for 384 days, during which time no significant differences in survival or growth were found. We extracted DNA from the hemolymph and successfully polymerase chain reaction-amplified the ITS and Glu-5' species-specific markers from 81% and 92% of the samples, respectively, and determined that all mussels were Mytilus trossulus (Lamarck). The extraction of hemolymph for DNA analysis allows for molecular investigations of populations or species which are either rare or in limited numbers, and for life history investigations where survival of the organism is necessary.