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Very Old DNA

  • Chapter
Permafrost Soils

Part of the book series: Soil Biology ((SOILBIOL,volume 16))

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ancient DNA and Evolution Group, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Martin B. Hebsgaard & Eske Willerslev

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  1. Martin B. Hebsgaard
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  2. Eske Willerslev
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Correspondence to Martin B. Hebsgaard .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Rosa Margesin

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Hebsgaard, M.B., Willerslev, E. (2009). Very Old DNA. In: Margesin, R. (eds) Permafrost Soils. Soil Biology, vol 16. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-69371-0_4

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