the abstract Flashcards
what was the aim of this study?
to develop a reliable DNA-based method to distinguish sika deer tissue samples from those of other cervid species (deers)
why is it difficult to visually distinguish the deer species tissue samples?
different deer species have similar looking tissues at the microscopic level, making identification unreliable.
what is RAPD, and how was it used in this study?
a technique that uses random primers to amplify sections of DNA, revealing genetic differences
- in this, RAPD was used to screen 100 different primers to find one that produced a unique DNA fragment for sika deer.
what was the key finding in the study?
only one of the 100 primers produced a unique DNA band for sika deer. this fragment was sequences and used to design specific primers (MHL-U/MHL-D) to create a SCAR marker, allowing easy identification of sika deer DNA.
what is a primer, and why is it important in PCR?
a primer is a short single-stranded DNA sequence that binds to specific DNA region, allowing DNA polymerase to extend the strand
- in PCR, primers determine which DNA region gets amplified
what are SCAR markers, and how were they developed in this study?
specific DNA sequences that can be amplified using unique primers
- scientists cloned and sequenced a unique 449 base pair DNA fragment from sika deer and designed SCAR primers to amplify a 251 base pair sequence.
how does multiplex PCR work, and why is it useful?
allows the amplification of multiple DNA sequences using different sets of primers
- enables quick identification in one reaction
why did the scientist test 100 different primers?
to increase the likelihood of finding a unique genetic marker that is specific to sika deer.
what does is mean that a DNA fragment is ‘unique’ to sika deer?
it means that the specific sequence of nucleotides in that DNA fragment is not found in other cervid species
how does sequencing DNA help with species identification?
DNA sequencing allows scientists to determine the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA fragment.
- by comparing these sequences to known species’ genomes (all the genetic info in an organism), scientists can confirm species identify
why is the DNA identification method useful for conservation
it helps track and protect sika deer populations by identifying their DNA in different locations
- can monitor genetic diversity
- preventing population loss
how can this study help regulate illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade?
DNA testing allows the testing of meat samples to confirm if they came from a sika deer.
- Catch and punish poachers who illegally kill sika deer and sell their meat.
why is genetic identification more reliable than visual identification
visual can be misleading due to similiarities between species or tissue degradation
- DNA analysis provides precise, species-specific results, making it far more reliable
what are some bioethical concerns about using genetic testing on animals?
- potential stress or harm to animals
- privacy concerns
how might this research impact wildlife conservation laws?
it can lead to stricter regulations against illegal hunting
should governments use DNA tests to track illegal hunting?
yes- it prevents poaching and protects biodiversity
no- it might be costly and difficult to enforce
