The selection of a DNA extraction method is a critical step when subsequent
analysis depends on the DNA quality and quantity. Unlike mammals, for which several
capable DNA extraction methods have been developed, for molluscs the availability of
optimized genomic DNA extraction protocols is clearly insufficient. Several aspects such
as animal physiology, the type (e.g., adductor muscle or gills) or quantity of tissue, can
explain the lack of efficiency (quality and yield) in molluscs genomic DNA extraction
procedure. In an attempt to overcome these aspects, this work describes an efficient
method for molluscs genomic DNA extraction that was tested in several species from
different orders: Veneridae, Ostreidae, Anomiidae, Cardiidae (Bivalvia) and Muricidae
(Gastropoda), with different weight sample tissues. The isolated DNA was of high
molecular weight with high yield and purity, even with reduced quantities of tissue.
Moreover, the genomic DNA isolated, demonstrated to be suitable for several downstream
molecular techniques, such as PCR sequencing among others.