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The Berlin-Dahlem DNA Bank and its Database
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The DNA bank in Berlin-Dahlem, at the Botanic
Garden and Botanical Museum (BGBM), is part of the
DNA Bank Network. The network project was established in spring 2007,
and is funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG).
The DNA bank holds samples obtained from plants collected
in the wild, or of documented origin, associated with full relevant documentation.
Its declared purpose is to enhance taxonomic and evolutionary studies
world-wide by providing
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at-cost availability of DNA material for further, complementary or corroborating studies, subject to the recipient’s compliance with the letter and spirit of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
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permanent storage of DNA material on which molecular studies have been performed, so that results can be corroborated and complemented in the future.
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full documentation of each sample, in a database accessible online, with the provenance of plant material, the place of deposit of herbarium voucher (digital images online accessible), DNA extraction techniques and links to extant molecular data (when published).
The stored DNA material derives either from molecular research work performed
at the BGBM or from donations by researchers at other institutions, which
are accepted under the provisos specified below. The provenance, the extraction
method and date, and the year of incorporation into the DNA bank, are
specified for each sample. It has to be taken into account that DNA amounts
vary, depending on source materials and extraction methods. The samples
are stored at –20°C and are cleaned to such an extent that
they are stable at ambient temperatures during transfer.
[available DNA
samples]
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The DNA sources are live
cultivated plants of documented origin, silica dried samples gathered
(by permission) in the wild, or suitable herbarium specimens. Only accessions
for which herbarium vouchers exist (either at the BGBM or at another specified
herbarium) are kept in store, and digital images of each voucher (irrespective
of its location) are made available for online consultation. Associated
databased information includes the scientific name, the name under which
sequences are published (if different), collector, collecting locality
and date, or for cultivated plants the known wild origin.
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DNA donations are accepted
free of charge, to be incorporated into the Berlin-Dahlem DNA bank and
correlated databank – for the benefit of the scientific community
and to guarantee verifiability of results based on them –, if the
following conditions obtain: (1) all necessary information must be supplied
(collecting data, determination, method and date of extraction); (2) a
fully labelled voucher specimen must be either deposited at the BGBM or,
if kept in another herbarium, be sent on loan for the purpose of digital
imaging; and (3) it must be certified that the plant material was obtained
in compliance with the rules of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The donor of the DNA will be acknowledged in the database but transfers
all property rights to the BGBM.
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DNA samples are available
on demand, at prime cost (to cover extraction, storage, documentation,
handling and shipping), exclusively for scientific and educational purposes.
Results obtained from the analysis of the material must not be used to
engender commercial profit without prior written permission from the Botanic
Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem. This, however, will not be
granted unless equitable benefit sharing with the countries of origin,
under the terms and in the spirit of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
is secured. DNA passed on to third parties must be dealt with to the same
conditions. In general, aliquots of 25 µl are sent (larger amounts
may be available if needed – please
enquire).
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On-demand extraction of DNA,
when no suitable samples are available in the DNA base, will be carried
out at cost if source material in suitable condition is available at the
BGBM, or is made available with full documentation (please
enquire).
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The amount charged, at present,
is 15 € for the first and 10 € for any and all additional samples
ordered at one time. For on-demand DNA extractions the charge levied is
25 € for the first and 20 € for any and all additional samples
ordered at one time.
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The stored DNA is in general
of good quality, of high molecular weight and reasonable concentration,
suited for PCR-based amplification. Slight degradation due to inadequately
preserved source material may occur occasionally, or weak concentration
in taxa with low DNA content. The quality and concentration of samples,
and their suitability for intended uses, cannot therefore be guaranteed
(e.g., degraded DNA is unsuited for AFLP). Samples which suffer degradation
during shipment will be replaced free of charge.
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To order DNA material, please
print out and complete the apposite order form, print out and sign
the Agreement, and send both to the following address:
Dr. Birgit Gemeinholzer
Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem
Freie Universität Berlin
Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8
D-14195 Berlin
Germany
Fax: +49-30-84172924
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By ordering DNA from the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem, the recipient accepts and pledges to respect the above conditions.
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A signed copy of the Agreement on the supply of plant material, available here, must accompany the order.
Page editor: B. Gemeinholzer
