2007-12-05 06:01:48 · 10 answers · asked by Evan J 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
First of all, we do not have the ability to clone a dinosaur even if we get 100% of the DNA. Our cloning abilities now involved implanting DNA in the developing embryo of an already living animal. There is no animal on the planet that we can use for the surrogate for dinosaurs.
Next up, the term mummified is misleading in this case. It is a very well preserved specimen but it is still a fossil. It is not like the flesh was preserved. I doubt that there is complete DNA in the specimen.
2007-12-05 06:06:52 · answer #1 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They might; I was actually thinking the same thing when I saw the article. But there are a few issues:
- They have to verify that some organic material was indeed preserved. That's why they can't clone off of fossils (but they could a frozen mammoth or mastodon, for example). And that's also why Jurassic Park started with finding a mosquito trapped in amber (discounting the fact that red blood cells are like the only cells with no nucleus (=DNA).. But, well... it's a book).
- Even then, they have to make sure the DNA is still in good shape. DNA does degenerate over time.
- Lastly, there are some specific issues when cloning reptiles I won't get into here.
Overall, it's a great idea, and definitely a breakthrough, consider we burn up all the other remains Dinosaur DNA (=oil) *and* induce global warming :-). I so hope that happens in our lifetime.
Hope this helps,
P.S - the point about finding a surrogate animal is moot. There's a fine array of reptilian zygote types that can be used for that.
J
2007-12-05 06:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by AllTheOtherNicksWereTaken 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Exactly, you can't clone a dinosaur from nothing, like what is done in movies. And yes of course, DNA dimishes over time.
2007-12-05 06:10:24 · answer #3 · answered by Shawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no living cell of a dinosaur to clone so it is impossible
2007-12-05 06:22:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First responder is correct. DNA deteriorates over time, and fifty million years is a long time.
2007-12-05 06:07:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to what everyone has already said...do you really want a Jurassic Park type thing to happen?
2007-12-05 06:10:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The DNA is too degraded.
2007-12-05 06:05:11 · answer #7 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bad DNA samples
2007-12-05 06:09:52 · answer #8 · answered by Special K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And in whose egg could it live until it was ready to hatch?
2007-12-05 06:07:59 · answer #9 · answered by Little Red Hen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
watched a little too much jurassic park have you?
2007-12-05 06:10:10 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋