Our work
eDNA and Metabarcoding
eDNA (environmental DNA) and metabarcoding are two important tools in molecular ecology and are used to investigate biodiversity in the natural environment.
eDNA (Environmental DNA)
eDNA refers to fragments of DNA collected from environmental samples. These DNA fragments can be obtained from traces an organism leaves behind in the environment, such as feces, debris, shed skin cells, or secretions. Because DNA from living organisms is found in environmental materials such as water, soil, or air, eDNA analysis is used to determine the biodiversity of a habitat or ecosystem. This technique can be used alongside traditional field surveys to monitor threatened or rare species, track habitat changes, and assess environmental impacts.
Metabarcoding
Metabarcoding is a molecular technique used to rapidly and simultaneously analyze the DNA of various organisms from specific genetic regions (often referred to as DNA barcode regions). For example, it can be used to identify the species-level identities of various organisms found in samples collected from a particular ecosystem. This technique is also often referred to as DNA barcoding or DNA metabarcoding. DNA metabarcoding can be used to determine biodiversity more quickly, accurately, and comprehensively than traditional methods. Therefore, it is widely used in various research and application areas such as habitat monitoring, biodiversity conservation, monitoring invasive species, and assessing ecosystem health.
Field Works
The first step in eDNA analysis is the direct collection of biological materials from natural environments. Samples of water, soil, snow, and air, as well as biological remains from animals such as feces, feathers, skin, and shells, are included in the sampling process. Our field work covers a wide range of areas, from monitoring invasive species in aquatic ecosystems to determining habitat use by wildlife species.
The sampling process is carried out within the framework of scientific ethics, without disrupting the ecosystem balance, even in the most sensitive natural areas. Our field team meticulously collects environmental data to trace the genetic footprint of numerous species in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Laboratory Analyses
In the laboratory, the process of isolating DNA from samples brought from the field and preparing them for genetic analysis begins. While DNA molecules are isolated from water and air samples by filtering, soil and other biological materials are processed using special protocols.
Thanks to the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies used in eGL's laboratories, detailed analysis of genetic material is possible. High-sensitivity DNA extraction protocols enable us to reliably analyze even the smallest amounts of genetic material. This process forms the basis of many conservation projects, such as monitoring endangered species, early detection of invasive species, and the creation of biodiversity maps.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is the fundamental analysis process for studying environmental DNA (eDNA). eGL's bioinformatics team takes genetic data from sequencing devices, analyzes it, and transforms complex biological datasets into meaningful results.
Firstly, genetic traces of all organisms in water, soil, and air samples are identified through bioinformatic analyses following sequencing. Genetic data are used for species identification, phylogenetic analysis, and ecological modeling, contributing to biodiversity databases. Bioinformatic analyses strengthen Türkiye's local genetic databases, providing a foundation for national and international research.