I did a study last year for my Hons project where I extracted DNA from the gut content of insects. After I stored the samples (-20°C and 4°C in TE buffer vs 70% EtOH), I found that the longer the sample was stored the more the quantity and quality became especially if stored at colder temperatures. Does anyone know why this happens?
Dear Adri Barnard,
From my experience, when I extracted insect DNA for barcoding identification I noticed that the samples were far better preserved and the quality of DNA was considerably higher in TE buffer (I stored the samples at -20°C). I know that very low temperature prevents enzymatic degradation and DNA is preserved in optimal condition, best in liquid nitrogen. On the other hand repeated defrosting causes DNA degradation.
And now to answer your question...I can not figure out why this happens. Did you tried to read other samples and you had the same result? and finally .. how high is the the difference between the concentrations for the same sample?
Regards,
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