title: DNA in soil: adsorption, genetic transformation, molecular evolution and genetic microchip.
abstract: This review examines interactions between DNA and soil with an emphasis on the persistence and stability of DNA in soil. The role of DNA in genetic transformation in soil microorganisms will also be discussed. In addition, a postulated mechanism for stabilization and elongation/assembly of primitive genetic material and the role of soil particles, salt concentrations, temperature cycling and crystal formation is examined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. jtrevors@uoguelph.ca
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Trevors
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D008954:Models, Biological; D011387:Prokaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D014170:Transformation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA