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Genetic Screening for Prey in the Gut Contents from a Giant Squid ( Architeuthis sp.)

Genetic Screening for Prey in the Gut Contents from a Giant Squid ( Architeuthis sp.) Giant squids ( Architeuthis sp.) remain mysterious; they have evaded observation and are rarely taken from their deep sea habitat. Information on the diet of Architeuthis is scarce due to the limited number of specimens with morphologically recognizable remains in their digestive tracts. We explored the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for detection of DNA in the prey remains and amorphous slurry from an Architeuthis gut sample. The DNA region amplified varied in size, allowing separation of fish and squid components. Sequence comparisons identified fish prey as Macruronus novaezelandiae . Isolation of Architeuthis DNA from an ingested tentacle and the presence of chitin fragments indicate cannibalism occurs in giant squid. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to screen for less common DNA types, revealing a high frequency of PCR-generated false alleles, but no additional prey species. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Heredity Oxford University Press

Genetic Screening for Prey in the Gut Contents from a Giant Squid ( Architeuthis sp.)

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References (34)

Publisher
Oxford University Press
Copyright
Copyright 2005
ISSN
0022-1503
eISSN
1465-7333
DOI
10.1093/jhered/esi036
pmid
15743905
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Giant squids ( Architeuthis sp.) remain mysterious; they have evaded observation and are rarely taken from their deep sea habitat. Information on the diet of Architeuthis is scarce due to the limited number of specimens with morphologically recognizable remains in their digestive tracts. We explored the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for detection of DNA in the prey remains and amorphous slurry from an Architeuthis gut sample. The DNA region amplified varied in size, allowing separation of fish and squid components. Sequence comparisons identified fish prey as Macruronus novaezelandiae . Isolation of Architeuthis DNA from an ingested tentacle and the presence of chitin fragments indicate cannibalism occurs in giant squid. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to screen for less common DNA types, revealing a high frequency of PCR-generated false alleles, but no additional prey species.

Journal

Journal of HeredityOxford University Press

Published: Jul 1, 2005

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