Ancient DNA and the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

Molecular evolution is a historic process through which genes accumulate changes due to stochastic events as well as selective processes. Students of molecular evolution suffer from the frustration of trying to reconstruct this historic process from only a knowledge of the present-day structure of genes. Until recently, there has been no hope of escaping this “time trap.” However, advances in molecular biological techniques have enabled us to retrieve and study ancient DNA molecules and thus to catch evolution red-handed. In consequence, we can now study the genealogical relationships of extinct species and vanished populations. In addition, it seems likely that we shall be able to monitor fast genetic processes such as recombinational events. Our review dis- cusses older attempts to obtain molecular genetic data from archaeological remains as well as recent achievements and emerging vistas.