Biomaterial and DNA Bank Organization for Animal Population Genetic Research

Biobanks play an important role in population genetic studies of animals as a valuable resource for ex situ conservation of genetic diversity and research in evolution, zoology, ecology, and genetics. One of the main objectives of biobanks is to preserve samples of genetic material from different animal species, thus preserving information on genetic diversity and conserving in situ populations. This is particularly important for rare and endangered species, animal breeds, and plant varieties, where genetic diversity may be declining because of population loss. Biobanks enable the exchange of specimens and data, which plays an important role in the study of the evolution and origins of different species, helping scientists to investigate the processes of divergence and adaptation. They also serve as a source for work in the study of genetic diseases, behavioral traits, and interaction of species in ecosystems. Biobanks provide the basis for various types of genetic research, such as genome sequencing, phylogeny, DNA variability analysis, and functional genomics, which in turn provide the opportunity to develop new methods for detection of genetic diseases, genomic selection, and conservation and restoration of animal populations. Biobanking thus plays an important role in population genetic research of animals, providing scientists with access to a wide range of genetic information that is essential for understanding and conserving our planet’s biodiversity. The issue of environmentally sound and efficient storage of biomaterial is more relevant than ever. In this review, we consider different approaches to the organization of a bank of biomaterials and DNA in the field of population genetic studies of animals and features of their collection, transport, processing, and storage.