Environmental DNA: A novel method to detect all life forms in an ecosystem

Source: The post is based on the article “Environmental DNA: A novel method to detect all life forms in an ecosystem” published in “Hindu Businessline” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers at the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) have developed a method for detecting all life forms in an ecosystem using environmental DNA (eDNA).

What have the researchers developed?

1.Researcher have developed a method to detect all life forms within an ecosystem using environmental DNA (eDNA).

2.This method involves collecting water, soil or air samples and then sequencing the DNA fragments to evaluate the total biodiversity in the ecosystem.

3.It can detect a broad spectrum of organisms, encompassing viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, insects, birds, fish, and various animals.

4.The technique is non-invasive, cost-effective, rapid, and scalable. It offers an effective means for monitoring and conserving biodiversity in both freshwater and marine ecosystems.

What is Environmental DNA(eDNA)?

Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material that organisms shed into their environment. It can be found in various environmental sources such as soil, water or air. 

This genetic material is derived from shed skin cells, mucus, urine, feces, hair or any organic material released by organisms into their surroundings.

Significance: eDNA is a powerful tool used in environmental monitoring and biodiversity studies. It allows scientists to detect the presence of organisms without directly observing them.

What is the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)?

LaCONES is a dedicated Laboratory of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).

Established in: 1998

Significance: It is India’s only research facility engaged in conservation and preservation of wildlife and its resources.

Initiatives: India’s first genetic bank for wildlife conservation, the National wildlife genetic resource bank (NWGRB) was established at LaCONES in 2018.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment, Science and Technology