Scientists have long debated the possibility of resurrecting extinct species, much like the fictional “Jurassic Park.” While DNA is the most detailed source of information, it quickly decays after an organism dies. However, recent studies have suggested that proteins could provide valuable insights into ancient life and evolution. Our research, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, delves into this intriguing field.
DNA can sometimes survive in polar climates, where freezing temperatures slow down decay. This has led to projects aimed at resurrecting species from the last ice age, such as the woolly mammoth and passenger pigeon. While there is some evidence of genetic material surviving in fossils dating back millions of years, there is no conclusive proof of DNA surviving for tens of millions of years.
Proteins, on the other hand, are believed to have a longer lifespan than DNA and can shed light on evolutionary links among species. Fossilized proteins, including intact amino acid sequences of collagen, have been found in fossils dating back several million years. However, large protein fragments are not expected to survive for such extended periods.
A breakthrough occurred in 2007 when collagen fragments were reported in a Tyrannosaurus rex bone dating back 68 million years. Subsequent debates regarding methodology and concerns about contamination have highlighted the challenges of working with ancient tissues. However, recent studies on fossils as old as 130 million years have shown evidence of degraded proteins and collagen fibers.
Our research focuses on a novel approach, combining a focused beam of light and X-rays, to analyze ancient feathers. This technique reveals the presence of chemical bonds, providing insights into protein structures. By studying a 125 million-year-old feathered dinosaur called Sinornithosaurus, we discovered abundant corrugated protein structures, consistent with a protein known as beta-keratin found in modern feathers. Spiral protein structures, indicative of alpha-keratin, were present in small amounts.
These findings suggest that ancient feathers had similar chemistry to their modern counterparts, with spiral protein structures likely being artifacts of the fossilization process. While this provides valuable information about ancient life, the resurrection of species still remains in the realm of science fiction. Fragments of DNA, even if found in dinosaur fossils, would be too short to provide useful information about a species.
As scientists continue to develop better lab protocols and conduct more rigorous studies, our understanding of ancient life and evolution will undoubtedly expand. While a real-life “Jurassic Park” remains elusive, the discovery of ancient proteins opens up new avenues for exploring our planet’s distant past.
FAQ
Can DNA survive in fossils?
DNA is extremely fragile and decays rapidly after an organism dies. However, in polar climates, freezing temperatures can slow down decay and potentially preserve DNA. While there is evidence of genetic material surviving in fossils dating back millions of years, there is no conclusive proof of DNA surviving for tens of millions of years.
What is the significance of proteins in fossils?
Proteins can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary links among species. While DNA quickly degrades, proteins have a longer lifespan and can shed light on ancient life and evolution. Fossilized proteins, such as intact amino acid sequences of collagen, have been found in fossils dating back several million years.
Can ancient proteins be used to resurrect extinct species?
While ancient proteins provide valuable information about ancient life, the resurrection of extinct species still remains in the realm of science fiction. Fragments of DNA, even if found in fossils, are often too short to provide useful information about a species. Current technology also cannot validate these rare DNA fragments as original rather than random combinations of amino acids generated during the fossilization process.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
