Comparison of Methods:
Destructive DNA extraction methods destroy the physical specimen as part of the lysis process. The lysis step is important to break open the cells and release the DNA. The destruction of the physical integrity of the specimen means that it cannot be referred to later for morphological features. Non-destructive DNA extraction methods rely solely on enzymatic activity to lyse cells. This leaves the physical specimen intact, allowing it to be used for morphological identification and comparisons. Non-destructive methods yield comparable results to destructive methods, in terms of species richness and composition (Arribas et al. 2022).
Why use Non-Destructive DNA Extraction Methods?
Non-destructive DNA extraction methods allow for preservation of the physical specimens so they can be morphologically analyzed later. This is important for identifying relevant, rare, and/or new species.