DNA fixation

[Barrie Jamieson]

Dear Annelidans,

In reply to Dr. Yamamuro, I have been sequencing oligochaetes for 
nuclear and mtDNA for some years and I find that 80% ethanol gives good 
results and surprisingly good preservation of the specimen provided the 
volume/specimen ratio is high (preferably with a change after 15 min to 1 
h). My comments would probably not apply, however, if one wanted good 
histological fixation.  

I understand, too, that ethanol is a poor 'fixative' for polychaetes - but 
perhaps OK at the higher concentration and volume ratio?  

I have no idea of the utility of Neo-fix for DNA. If it contains aldehydes it 
would, of course, be inappropriate but it is said to be alcohol based. 

Regards, Barrie Jamieson  


Emeritus Professor B.G.M. Jamieson
Department of Zoology and Entomology
University of Queensland
Brisbane 4072
Queensland
Australia
Phone: +61 7 3365 2683
Fax: +61 7 3365 1655
email bjamieson at zoology.uq.edu.au
Non-University email: BGMJamieson at netscape.net

Recent Publications:

Native earthworms of Australia (Megascolecidae, Megascolecinae). A CD ROM
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~bjamieson

Reproductive Biology of Invertebrates:
http://catalog.wiley.com

Insects: Their spermatozoa and phylogeny:
http://www.scipub.net
Published works (Homepage):
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~bjamieson/index


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