>  Aren't mitochondrias inside of the cells? At least, when I was young, they
>  used to be... I can't figure out how DNA (any kind) could be extracted from
>  a proteinic matrix, but of course there are lot of things that I don't
>  know... Anyway, if it could be done, it will be a great advance.

Yes, mitochondria normally occur in cells.  However, traces of DNA are present along with other organic tissue in hair, shells, etc.  Just a single copy of the DNA can be amplified into millions, enough copies to sequence, so you don't need to have a DNA-rich tissue to get a sequence; however, it's a lot easier if you do.  Such techniques work best with fresh material, since traces of DNA can break down into no DNA before too long.

A more durable molecular feature is antibody reactivity.  It's less sensitive than DNA sequencing to subtle differences, but it might be a viable option for a question such as "Is this mutant mussel shell in a museum that Sowerby named with no locality data more similar to Hyriidae or Unionidae?" or "Is Pholadomya more closely related to other anomalodesmatans than to other heteroconchs, or does it represent an independent, ancient lineage?"  It has worked for some fossil material, but the method has had little use since the advent of DNA amplification and sequencing techniques.  I don't know how much material is needed for the test; I don't think it's much.

    Dr. David Campbell
    Old Seashells
    University of Alabama
    Biodiversity & Systematics
    Dept. Biological Sciences
    Box 870345
    Tuscaloosa, AL  35487-0345 USA
    [log in to unmask]

That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------