Scientists have for the first time isolated and sequenced RNA from woolly mammoth remains. The RNA came from tissue preserved in the Siberian permafrost for nearly 40,000 years and is the oldest RNA ever recovered.
The research team analysed frozen muscle remains from Yuka, a juvenile mammoth that died almost 40,000 years ago. Emilio Mármol, a postdoctoral researcher at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, said RNA gives direct evidence of which genes are "turned on". He worked with scientists from SciLifeLab and the Centre for Palaeogenetics.
The recovered RNA can show which genes were active near the time of death. The authors say that combining RNA with DNA, proteins and other preserved biomolecules could give new information. The study appears in the journal Cell and the University of Copenhagen reported it.
Difficult words
- isolated — to separate something from other things
- sequenced — to find the order of parts in something
- permafrost — soil that stays frozen for many years
- tissue — material made of cells in a plant or animal
- juvenile — a young animal or person
- recovered — to get something back after loss or damage
- genes — a part inside cells that controls traits
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What information could scientists learn by studying RNA from ancient animals?
- Why is finding preserved tissue in permafrost important for research?
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