Enhanced DNA extraction and PCR amplification of SSU ribosomal genes from crustose coralline algae

As crustose Corallinales on the coasts of Chile are usually flat, thin,strongly adherent to the rocks and with a high concentration ofpolysaccharides,there is a need to improve DNA extraction for molecular studies. The paperdescribes a protocol to achieve this, which includes steps for disruption ofcell walls and precipitation of polysaccharides and proteins; this leads to aPCR-quality product. The DNA obtained permitted amplification of SSU and rbcLgenes from small amounts of material (< 1 g) of several generaand species of Corallinales. Comparison of the sequences of small SSU fragments(approximately 500 bp), combined with morphological characters,together provide sufficient resolution to distinguish organisms at the genusandspecies levels.