Is there a limited timeline for DNA to survive?
A lecture on fossil forests in the Arctic tundra had a question at end of lecture about DNA (at 1 hour into video). The reply was that DNA analysis was unsuccessful because it was not stable and doesn't last that long. I was wondering if there is a record of how long it does last, that is, what might be the oldest specimen still extant.
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P.S. "Life in the camp" - including hot tub, was amusing. The 50-million year old stump on Ellesmere Island is quite remarkable.
is an MSNBC.com story that says, "Ancient bacteria can survive nearly half a million years in the harsh, frozen conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic, researchers said Monday in a study that suggests life could exist in Martian permafrost or ice-covered oceans on alien worlds."
says, "In early years, the field of ancient DNA was largely a race on breaking age boundaries resulting in outrageous reports that later proved due to contamination. An improved understanding of the processes responsible for DNA degradation and the effects of damage on ancient DNA templates and contamination risk have started providing a more solid basis for research. However, the field is still regularly flawed by reports that underestimate the extent of contamination within laboratories and samples themselves. Although a number of criteria and guidelines have been created to improve research quality within the field, these are not followed on a regular basis. Unfortunately, lack of proper models for DNA decay makes it uncertain, exactly how long time DNA can survive under various preservation conditions. Still, empirical studies and theoretical considerations suggest that when it comes to both molecule and cell long-term survival, frozen conditions appears superior to other conditions. Recent advantages in studies of very old DNA include amplifiable animal and plant ancient DNA from 450,000-800,000 year old glacial ice and the amplification of DNA from viable bacteria obtained from permafrost (frozen soil) about half a million years in age."
Conversely, on its own, DNA begins to disassemble within about 5 minutes, which is why the "Frankenstein" monster was never really possible.
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