Project:

Comparing effectiveness of rapid, silica, and Chelex DNA isolation techniques for student use in lichen DNA barcoding.

Students:

Leofwin Muskin, Ari Kaye

School:

Long Beach High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Robyn Tornabene

Abstract:

Lichens are a symbiotic combination of green algal cells protected by strands of fungi, and are often associated with rocks, trees, and other types of plants. Lichens are important because they are pioneer organisms, consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, and can be indicators of air pollution. They are also possible sources of antibiotics and some have had connections to cancer treatment. Long Beach is unique because it is on a barrier island waterfront property, which gives in slightly different conditions from mainland Long Island. Therefore, the lichen variety might differ from Long Island. Lichens have a tough, crust-like appearance and tough cell walls, which can make DNA isolation difficult. We will collect a variety of lichens and see which DNA isolation technique (DNAC protocols for rapid, silica bead, and Chelex isolation) is most effective. We hope our results will be helpful because it will show which isolation technique is most effective and best to use for student DNA

Poster:

Team samples: