Researchers have isolated and sequenced ancient RNA from woolly mammoth tissue preserved in Siberian permafrost. The RNA comes from muscle remains that are nearly 40,000 years old and is the oldest RNA ever recovered.
The team analysed frozen muscle from Yuka, a juvenile mammoth that died almost 40,000 years ago. Emilio Mármol, a postdoctoral researcher at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, led the work. He said RNA provides direct evidence about which genes were "turned on" in the animal's cells. The project included scientists from SciLifeLab and the Centre for Palaeogenetics at Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History.
Until now researchers mapped mammoth DNA to study genomes and evolution, because RNA seemed too fragile. The recovered RNA shows gene activity near death and could add new biological detail when combined with DNA, proteins and other biomolecules. The study appears in Cell and was reported by the University of Copenhagen.
Difficult words
- permafrost — ground that stays frozen for many years
- sequenced — to find the order of parts in something
- preserved — to keep something safe or in good condition
- genes — a part of DNA that controls traits
- fragile — easy to break or damage
- biomolecules — a molecule that is part of a living cell
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Discussion questions
- How could RNA combined with DNA and proteins help scientists learn more about mammoths?
- Why is permafrost good for preserving ancient animal tissue?
- What questions would you like scientists to answer about extinct animals using this new RNA evidence?
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