2006-12-07 10:15:36 · 9 answers · asked by dallas s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
It turns out that the shroud carbon dating sample was taken, perhaps intentionally, from a section repaired during the middle ages. So we are back to it being a matter of faith. The analysis of the cloth itself has shown that it is consistent with the type of plant materials, spinning technique and weaving patterns of the time of Christ.
As to DNA, not very likely after all this time. And it has been handled by so very many people that even if there were DNA evidence there, it would have been contaminated long ago.
2006-12-07 10:24:54 · answer #1 · answered by Gaspode 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
After 2000 years, I doubt any useful DNA could be extracted, assuming you can find some source of it on the clothe. The other problem is - it has not been in exactly a "dust free" environment for the 6 or 700 years it's been known about, so any skin cells you do find on it would be hard to prove belonged to Jesus Christ.
2006-12-07 10:17:29 · answer #2 · answered by jbtascam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it still contained blood it is possible that there could be DNA extracted. Even if others have handled it, the "touch" DNA would be far less concentrated than any blood present, meaning there might be a mixture of DNA but the blood DNA would be in greater quantity. Also, if one were to attempt to extract DNA, their best bet would be to go for mitochondrial DNA which lasts much longer. In fact, a fellow researcher of mine is working on a project where they are extracting mito DNA from fossils that are millions of years old (much older than the Shroud). Nuclear DNA degrades much more quickly and it would be highly unlikely that one would be able to obtain a profile this way. Mito is the way to go!!
2006-12-07 10:59:40 · answer #3 · answered by utchick128 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe. However, the level of contamination would make it highly unlikely that, even if this is a burial shroud, the DNA extracted would be from the person who was burined in the shroud.
2006-12-07 10:39:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You mean the Shroud of Turin?
It isnt authentic, it has been carbon dated, and is only something like 689 years old. Also, 2000 years is a long time, more than likely the DNA would have denatured, and we couldn't get a complete strand.
Sort of like cloning dinosaurs, we have DNA, but it isn't complete.
2006-12-07 10:18:33 · answer #5 · answered by david d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They said it was in a fire in the middle ages and that may have changed the carbon date of the cloth. Being a christian, I believe it is the cloth, but if it isn't, it must be hidden somewhere, like the dead sea scrolls. Only time will tell...
Imagine though if they used his DNA to clone Jesus, wouldn't that be his 2nd comming? Makes you wonder!?!
2006-12-07 10:24:46 · answer #6 · answered by nystateofmind8989 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlikely, DNA breaks down after a short period of time(days). Even if it were we have nothing to compare it to to verify its authenticity.
2006-12-07 10:17:29 · answer #7 · answered by Archer Christifori 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe carbon dating has its origin in the 13th or 14th century which would not put it in the same historic period of Christ.
2006-12-07 10:20:29 · answer #8 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the shourd of turran was proven to be faked
2006-12-07 10:23:44 · answer #9 · answered by Janos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋