DNA in acetone

[Leah Larkin]

Taxacomers,

A colleague of mine plans to send me insect specimens (for molecular
phylogenetic work) which he has preserved in acetone rather than
ethanol.  I've never preserved material in acetone for DNA work
before, and I have been unable to find out whether this will harm the
DNA.  Does anyone know?  Also, can anyone suggest the best method to
deal with these specimens?  Should I have my colleague transfer them
to ethanol now?  Or is the damage (if any) already done, and likely
to be compounded by changing solvents?  Would I be better off going
straight from the acetone to chloroform:isamyl alcohol extraction, or
should I do an ethanol wash first?

Also, has anyone had experience with shipping packages
internationally with acetone?

Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to offer.

--
Leah Larkin, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
MSC03 2020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 277-1349 (office)
(505) 277-0304 (FAX)