Abstract:
This is a feasibility study to find the best part and best method for DNA extraction from
sea turtle products. The samples used in this study were dead specimens of hawksbill
turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) from the Department
of Fisheries, Sabah and eggs from markets around Kuala Terengganu. The DNA of
samples from different parts was extracted using both conventional method (CTAB
Protocol) and DNA commercial extraction kit. The most effective method to extract
DNA was the conventional method while the best parts for DNA extraction were the
flippers and neck for hawksbill and only the flippers for the green turtle. As for the eggs,
the shell and yolk showed presence of DNA. This study is a preliminary study to
determine the origin of turtles. However, MtDNA analysis to determine the origin of the
samples was unsuccessful due to the quality of DNA in the sea turtle products.
