Molecular approach for the characterization of ancient /degraded Cyperus sp.specimens

The aim of this work has been to apply and improve the efficiency of molecular tools for the identification of Cyperus sp. from difTerent sources. Total DNA was extracted from fresh, degraded and ancient specimens. DNA molecules were the template for in vitro amplification of specific target regions referred to rcbL plastid gene (ribulose-l,5 -biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit). Dedicated DNA extraction and amplification protocols have been applied specifically for fresh/degraded and ancient samples. Particularly, specific set of primer, annealing temperatures and reaction mixtures have been performed. The PCR products, single DNA fragments, were resolved on agarose gel electrophoresis and sequenced. The sequences were compared by dedicated software and this allowed us to obtain genetic information.