2009 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2009. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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We hear about mammoths/mummies being found all the time. Where do they find viable DNA on these decomposed or preserved individuals?      Mary Schueler, Ph.D.: I compare the DNA sequence of essential chromosomal regions from multiple primates to define functional changes that have occurred during evolution. Often the only remaining soft tissue remains are bone marrow or the pulp of teeth. Even these are quite difficult to extract DNA do not always yield usable DNA samples. DNA from these sources is often degraded and contaminated with the DNA of microorganisms. University of Iowa Dental School in IA (12th grade student)

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