The fate of extracellular DNA in the environment concerns both the fate of transgenes from genetically modified organisms and the evolution of active bacteria capable of incorporating this DNA into their genomes. This study addressed the possibility that DNA, like other organic molecules, could move vertically in the capillary fringe of groundwater aquifers. The targeted gene fragment used here was the 35S-nptII sequence, which was below detection levels in controls. Initial microcosm studies detected the DNA target molecule by PCR during the entire experiment. The vertical advection of water and DNA were monitored for a period of 3 days in soil columns. DNA was added as a water solution at the bottom of the unsaturated soil column, and then DNA-free water was added at the bottom after 12 and 24 h. After the addition of the DNA solution, capillary water rose 4 cm within the soil column and the target DNA was detected up to that height. After 60 min, the entire soil column (10 cm) was wetted and the target sequence was detected up to a height of 7.5 cm. After the second wetting (12 h later), the target sequence was detected up to the top of the soil column (10 cm). However, after the third wetting (24 h later), the marker sequence was only found at heights from 0.5 to 4 cm. Results clearly show the vertical movement of DNA due the capillary rise and suggest the possibility of DNA degradation within the soil column.

Vertical advection of extracellular DNA by water capillarity in soil columns / CECCHERINI MT; ASCHER J; NANNIPIERI P; G. PIETRAMELLARA; VOGEL T. - In: SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY. - ISSN 0038-0717. - STAMPA. - 39:(2007), pp. 158-163. [10.1016/j.soilbio.2006.07.006]

Vertical advection of extracellular DNA by water capillarity in soil columns

CECCHERINI, MARIA TERESA;ASCHER, JUDITH;NANNIPIERI, PAOLO;PIETRAMELLARA, GIACOMO;
2007

Abstract

The fate of extracellular DNA in the environment concerns both the fate of transgenes from genetically modified organisms and the evolution of active bacteria capable of incorporating this DNA into their genomes. This study addressed the possibility that DNA, like other organic molecules, could move vertically in the capillary fringe of groundwater aquifers. The targeted gene fragment used here was the 35S-nptII sequence, which was below detection levels in controls. Initial microcosm studies detected the DNA target molecule by PCR during the entire experiment. The vertical advection of water and DNA were monitored for a period of 3 days in soil columns. DNA was added as a water solution at the bottom of the unsaturated soil column, and then DNA-free water was added at the bottom after 12 and 24 h. After the addition of the DNA solution, capillary water rose 4 cm within the soil column and the target DNA was detected up to that height. After 60 min, the entire soil column (10 cm) was wetted and the target sequence was detected up to a height of 7.5 cm. After the second wetting (12 h later), the target sequence was detected up to the top of the soil column (10 cm). However, after the third wetting (24 h later), the marker sequence was only found at heights from 0.5 to 4 cm. Results clearly show the vertical movement of DNA due the capillary rise and suggest the possibility of DNA degradation within the soil column.
2007
39
158
163
CECCHERINI MT; ASCHER J; NANNIPIERI P; G. PIETRAMELLARA; VOGEL T
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Ceccherini et al. 2007.pdf

Accesso chiuso

Tipologia: Pdf editoriale (Version of record)
Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati
Dimensione 223.27 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
223.27 kB Adobe PDF   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/255480
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 34
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 28
social impact