DNA bank

From ArticleWorld

DNA banks are collections of DNA utilized for research or for criminal investigation. There are three major types of DNA banks in existence. These are those dealing with agricultural organisms, those dealing with criminal offenders and those handling storage of DNA of rare or endangered species.

DNA banks for criminal investigation

These banks are becoming increasingly useful in apprehending repeat offenders. They also enable the tracking of criminals based on evidence left at the scene of crimes. Data is collected from individuals convicted of certain offences once laws are in place that require they submit a DNA sample. This sample is usually in the form of blood, hair or cheek cells. Another set of data is also collected. This is DNA that is left at crime scenes. This is useful in cross referencing of DNA samples in order to track criminals. Suspects may also be required to submit DNA samples in order to determine if they are indeed the perpetrators.

DNA banks for agricultural and rare organisms

These banks collect mainly samples of plant genomic DNA. The DNA is extracted from the taxa of interest and stored. The DNA is normally extracted using CTAB-chloroform extraction followed by ethanol precipitation and washing. The sample is then density gravity cleaned and passed through dialysis. The samples are cleaned to a degree where they are stable at room temperature for several days and indefinitely when in cold storage. Increasingly many natural habitats are under threat and the species of flora and fauna in them are facing extinction. In order to save these species DNA banks can be used. The samples collected and preserved from these species with the advent of new technologies such as cloning may enable the repopulating of these species. Presently the preservation of plant DNA is more prevalent ass this material is simpler to extract and store.