title: Ancient DNA extraction from soils and sediments.
abstract: DNA contained in soils and sediments can provide novel insights into past environments and ecosystems. In this chapter, I describe an efficient and effective technique to extract total DNA from sediments in a manner that minimizes the coextraction of PCR-inhibitory compounds. I describe two different approaches: one that is suitable for large (up to 10 g wet weight) amounts of substrate, and a second that is more appropriate for small (up to 0.5 g) amounts of substrate. Finally, I discuss some of the obstacles that may be encountered in the process of extracting DNA from soils and sediments and suggest approaches to circumvent some common problems.
authors.affiliation: Ancient DNA Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, South Street, Perth, 6150, WA, Australia. j.haile@murdoch.edu.au
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haile
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D010163:Paleontology / Q000379:methods*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D004247:DNA