| Since the late 1980s, the biology of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has been studied extensively using genetic tools to provide information for developing conservation strategies. The molecular approaches have increased the need for a DNA bank that can potentially provide an unlimited amount of high quality DNA, and an online DNA database for the storage and maintenance of DNA profiles of individuals. To develop the DNA bank, whole genome amplification (WGA) (GenomiPhi(TM)), and the storage of the WGA DNA samples at -20°C and in a dry form at room temperature (RT) were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction analyses showed WGA DNA samples stored in GenTegra(TM) tubes had no loss of functional template DNA after two weeks at room temperature; however, the amount of functional template DNA decreased when WGA DNA samples were stored using other methods. These results suggested that the best strategy for the DNA bank is to store stock DNA and stock WGA DNA at -20°C, and DNA and WGA DNA aliquots at -20°C and dried at room temperature in GenTegra(TM) tubes. The second part of this thesis documents an online DNA database containing DNA profiles for 1,146 North Atlantic right whale samples representing at least 472 dead and living individuals from biopsies, feces and historic bones. The DNA profiles include gender determination based on a sex-specific molecular marker, genotypes at 35 microsatellite loci, and sequences at the major histocompatibility complex genes and mitochondrial control region. The database allows researchers to have remote access to current genetic data. Both the DNA bank and database represent genetic baselines for future research on this critically endangered species.;Keywords: DNA bank, DNA storage, North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, endangered species, whole genome amplification, DNA database... |
