Lecture 8 - DA

Question 1

What kind of DNA can be used to study ecotoxicology using parasitic lifecycles/transmission pathways?

Answer 1

eDNA - environmental DNA.

Question 2

What does marine invasive species surveillance involve?

Answer 2

Zooplankton biofouling assessments, also using eDNA.

Question 3

Name and describe a direct approach for molecular biomonitoring.

Answer 3

qPCR, able to determine relative abundance rapidly.

Excellent for detecting specific species/regions.

Question 4

Describe how qPCR is carried out.

Answer 4

Uses specific primers with fluorophores and quenchers attached. During extension, the fluorophore will break off and fluoresce, increasing each cycle.

Question 5

Name 4 sources for eDNA.

Answer 5

Soil
Sediment
Water
Air

Question 6

How can gene expression be used as a biomonitoring tool?

Answer 6

By looking for the upregulation of certain genes. ie the metallothionein gene if suspected metal contamination.

Question 7

Describe metabarcoding.

Answer 7

Universal primers that amplify genetic markers, conserved regions for various species, rapid method for assessing biodiversity.