Just curious to know how scientists can postulate anything concerning prehistoric man when the availability of reliable DNA has got to be impossibly rare and the chances that DNA samples are not tainted have to be extrememely small
2006-12-24 04:39:35 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
Fossilized bones do not contain DNA that is extractable. DNA may be extracted from old preserved bones, with variable success. Neanderthal DNA has been partially mapped using this technique. Scientists need very little sample nowadays, since they have refined DNA amplification methods. A few partially intact cells will do. When DNA breaks down, the pieces each retain code in the same sequences, like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, the pattern on each piece does not vary. It is many of these sequences which have been mapped.
2006-12-24 09:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by Terracinese 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't extract viable DNA from rock (that's what a fossile is).
You can however extract DNA from prehistoric bone that has
not been fossilized.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and have a nice day.
Thank you very much, while you're up!!!!
2006-12-24 16:29:30 · answer #2 · answered by producer_vortex 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most extractions from fossilized DNA are basically dead cells. Any study or the ability to postulate anything from the dead cells is basically impossible with technology today. I am no expert though.
2006-12-24 12:56:26 · answer #3 · answered by casinoman_1999 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i donno...how? oh wait there isn't a punchline? that blows. lol jk
2006-12-24 13:17:40 · answer #4 · answered by KatieZ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋