Study of nucleic acids isolated from ancient remains

Abstract

The examination of preserved, organic archaeological remains with the techniques of molecular genetics is providing direct access to the genetic components of these tissues. Although the nucleic acids are often chemically modified and substantially sheared, it has been possible to retrieve ancient DNA sequences. The polymerase chain‐reaction method, which has been modified to overcome the inhibitory properties of lesion‐containing DNA, is capable of reconstructing ancient DNA sequences from template molecules that are shorter than the amplified products. This has made it possible to analyze both ancient or extinct mitochondrial and genomic DNA sequences. These studies have resolved ambiguities in the phylogenies of extinct animals and have contributed to knowledge about the patterns of human population migration. The potential of ancient nucleic acid analysis to make contributions in paleopathology, molecular evolution, and population genetics depends on improved methodologies which, in turn, requires a more comprehensive understanding of postmortem chemical processes. Copyright © 1990 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company