[Taxacom] DNA preservation: -20C vs. -80C

[Julian Dupuis]

Hello,

Our lab is currently lamenting the death of one of our -80C freezers, and
we are debating whether to scratch the money together for another -80C, or
move some of our DNA storage to -20C freezers. I have always been taught
that -80C storage is best for DNA preservation, but don't have any personal
experience to back that thought up. Additionally, our lab has had fine
success with doing sanger and next-gen sequencing on material (both DNA and
insect tissue) stored, at least for the short term (several years), at -20C.

Has anyone ever tested DNA storage at -20C vs. -80C for typical molecular
phylogenetics/ population genetics approaches? Or does anyone have any
experience that would support the mantra that -80C storage is superior to
-20C? Any information, suggestions, or opinions would be greatly
appreciated.

Thank you,

Julian Dupuis

-- 
Julian Rowe Dupuis
Ph.D. Candidate
Dept of Biological Sciences
CW405, Biol. Sci. Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, CAN
T6G 2E9