coral vs zoox dna quantification

[Erik Meesters]

Hello fellow scientists,
It was pointed out that I haven't been specific enough with my question.

We have made some investigations on Rna and Dna concentrations in 
corals. As some of you may be aware, the ratio between Rna and Dna may 
reveal something about the metabolic condition of the individual, cq 
community.

Rna is assumed to vary with metabolism (protein production, gametogenesis 
etc), Dna per cel is assumed to be reasonably constant. In corals a large 
proportion of Dna orriginates from the zoox and ofcourse because zoox 
concentrations vary with stress, light (you name it) one may assume that 
DNA varies too. That is, IF the zoox contribute a substantial part to the total 
dna pool.

My idea has always been that people that look at coral or zoox dna do in 
some way separate the different dna's (Forgive my ignorance for I am no 
molecular biologist!) and that this would be an easy question.

Again, I hope this time clearer, does anyone have an idea what proportion of 
Dna in a sample of coral tissue including zoox, might be from the host or 
symbiont?

Thanks again for any helpful hints, ideas or even answers!

cheers,
Erik


On 25 May 00, at 9:50, Erik Meesters wrote:

> Dear colleagues,
> I've asked some molecular biologists who work with corals, but up to now
> none has been able to give me a clear answer.
> 
> Does any of you have an idea how much of the total rna and dna in a sample
> from a coral would be from the host, respectively from the symbiont?
> 
> I'd greatly appreciate an answer to my email address.
> 
> Best wishes to you all.
> 
> Erik
> 
> --------------------------------------------
> Dr. Erik Meesters
> Dept of Marine Ecology
> Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (Nioz)
> P.O. Box 59
> 1790 AB Den Burg-The Netherlands
> ph. (0)31-(0)222-369530/572
> fax (0)31-(0)222-319674
> 


--------------------------------------------
Dr. Erik Meesters
Dept of Marine Ecology
Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (Nioz)
P.O. Box 59
1790 AB Den Burg-The Netherlands
ph. (0)31-(0)222-369530/572
fax (0)31-(0)222-319674