We know that DNA is found in every cell of every living thing, so let’s imagine that a living thing loses a cell. What happens? A plant loses a leaf, a human being scratches himself and loses the superficial cells of his skin, an animal loses its hair, and so on. Living organisms constantly deposit genetic material in their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DNA can be released into the environment via faeces, urine, gametes, mucus, saliva and skin, and it can also come from the decomposition of dead organisms. In aquatic environments, dead, decomposing organisms release a phenomenal amount of genetic material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, environmental DNA (eDNA) is the lost cells (intact or not) that we recover from the environment. Scientifically speaking, eDNA is genetic material derived from an environmental sample (freshwater, saltwater, sediment, humus, faeces, etc.).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a context of climate change, it is more than imperative to have a good understanding of the ecosystems that surround us, so that we can better protect them. To implement appropriate strategies and actions to protect our ecosystems, we need to know which species inhabit them. Using sequencing, eDNA identification enables researchers to gain an overview of the community of living beings that inhabit a particular ecosystem, and to deduce trophic links and key species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to the eDNA we can extract from these water samples, we’ll have a better idea of the current state of biodiversity in the waterways around us, so we can better understand and protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is it useful? <\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n