An Ecosystem in a Teaspoon
Dr Anjani Ganase discusses the use of DNA studies and technology to understand and manage our environment. When William Blake wrote in the late 18 th century, “To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower; hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour,” did he envisage that within two centuries later, scientists could explore an entire ecosystem from minute traces of matter? This is how we are learning more about the earth’s history. Will we be able to use this information to help us create a better future? The study of ecology allows scientists to explore and immerse themselves in observing the relationships between an organism and its physical and chemical surroundings. Everything an organism does in its environment is evident in the DNA tracks left behind. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic instruction carried in the cells of all living organisms. DNA is everywhere: in sloughed off dead cells, any drop of s...