Molecular Systematics Laboratory

At the Molecular Systematics Laboratory we study the genetic material, DNA, of animals, fungi, and plants.

Information about DNA helps us understand how different species are related and how life has evolved over Earth's history. Many of the specimens in the Museum's collections contain small residues of DNA. By using a special technique called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), we can 'copy' DNA from skins, feathers, and bones, as well as from alcohol-preserved specimens and herbarium sheets. With this method we can make new discoveries about animals and plants that now may be extinct or very rare.

DNA can also be used to identify different species. The Museum is currently doing research where we determine such genetic identification markers (also known as "DNA barcodes") for all Swedish vertebrates. With the help of these markers it is possible to find out e.g. what fish species have been used in soups or other ready-cooked food. The Museum is also participating in a large-scale international project aiming to create a database with DNA barcodes for all living organisms.