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A Method for Fixation of Fish Larvae for Morphological and Genetic Studies

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Abstract—

Three aqueous buffer solutions that make it possible to stabilize DNA and also preserve the initial body shape and morphological structures are tested for fixation and preservation of deep-sea fishes’ larvae. Based on the quality assessment of DNA and appearance of the larvae 6 months after fixation, the buffer solution containing dimethyl sulfoxide is recommended for use. Unlike ethanol or formalin, this fixative is nontoxic, nonflammable, does not require storage of samples in the refrigerator, and is also compatible with standard DNA extraction methods or commercial kit protocols.

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Funding

This study was supported in part by the Russian Science Foundation, project no. 19-14-00026 (expedition works), the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project no. 18-04-00019, and within the framework of state assignment no. 0112-2018-0002 (laboratory analysis).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia

    N. V. Gordeeva

  2. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia

    N. V. Gordeeva, S. G. Kobyliansky & S. A. Evseenko

Authors
  1. N. V. Gordeeva
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  2. S. G. Kobyliansky
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  3. S. A. Evseenko
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Correspondence to N. V. Gordeeva.

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Translated by A. Lisenkova

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Gordeeva, N.V., Kobyliansky, S.G. & Evseenko, S.A. A Method for Fixation of Fish Larvae for Morphological and Genetic Studies. J. Ichthyol. 59, 818–822 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0032945219050035

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