The research group of Assistant Professor Toshifumi Gen, Assistant Professor of Kobe University, Assistant Professor Kimiko Uchii of Osaka Ohtani University, and Associate Professor Hideyuki Doi of University of Hyogo analyzed the environmental DNA contained in river water and found that it is native to Japan and is native to the Eurasian continent. We have developed a method to clarify the ratio of carp.It is expected that the invasion of alien species of other organisms can be known quickly and easily.

 Environmental DNA is DNA contained in the feces and secretions of living organisms contained in water such as rivers and the sea.By collecting and analyzing this environmental DNA from water, it is possible to clarify the distribution of organisms without actually capturing them.In particular, it is attracting attention because it is possible to distinguish alien species that are difficult to distinguish from the outside.

 By using a technique called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for a small amount of DNA contained in water, the amount of DNA can be increased while keeping the genetic information contained.By analyzing this, it is possible to distinguish even a single difference in DNA sequence, and it is possible to distinguish whether the river lives in a native line or an alien line.In this study, based on this method, we found that there is a great relationship between the proportion of native and foreign carp in aquariums and the results of analysis of environmental DNA in water.This means that by analyzing the environmental DNA in water, the proportion of native and foreign carp that inhabit there can be determined.When we actually investigated the abundance ratio in rivers in western Japan, it became clear that the invasion of alien species has progressed to a considerable extent.

 Invasion of alien species of the same species is difficult to recognize due to their similar appearance, and there are many cases where native species are adversely affected by competition and crossing.In order to protect biodiversity, it is important to know the invasion of alien species as soon as possible even in such cases, but the analysis method developed this time can be used as a method to quickly detect the invasion of alien species of various species. prize.

Source:[Kobe University] Invasion of alien species Uncovered with environmental DNA

Kobe University

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Kobe University, which is located in a port city open to the world, has 4 faculties and 10 faculties under the 15 university arts series of "humanities / human sciences", "social sciences", "natural sciences", and "life / medical sciences". It is a comprehensive university with a graduate school, one research institute and many centers. Based on the philosophy of "harmony between science and reality," we have strengths in both the humanities and science fields […]

Osaka Otani University

Increase expertise and develop practical skills.To human resources who will open up a rich emotion and future

Osaka Ohtani University has been providing education that always meets the needs of the times in its history of more than 50 years.It is a comprehensive university with Faculty of Pharmacy (Department of Pharmacy), Faculty of Literature (Department of Japanese Literature / History and Culture), Faculty of Education (Department of Education), and Faculty of Human and Social Studies (Department of Human Sociology / Department of Sport and Health).Teaching with high expertise and solid human power […]

Hyogo Prefectural University

Fostering global leaders who can play an active role in the international and local communities

Hyogo Prefectural University was opened by integrating Kobe University of Commerce, Himeji Institute of Technology, and Hyogo Prefectural College of Nursing, which boast history and tradition.Utilizing the tradition and advanced education and research environment cultivated over a long history, and the strengths of general universities, we have an educational program that emphasizes advanced education and cutting-edge research, substantial career support, educational environment and experience [… ]

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