ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Ancient DNA
;
archaeobotany
;
carbonized grain
;
DNA sequences
;
glutenin alleles
;
seed proteins
;
Triticum
;
wheat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We have used hybridization analysis to detect ancient DNA in wheat seeds collected from three archaeological sites in Europe and the Middle East. One of these samples, carbonizedT. spelta dated to the first millennium BC, has yielded PCR products after amplification with primers directed at the leader regions of the HMW (high molecular weight) glutenin alleles. Sequences obtained from these products suggest that the DNA present in the Danebury seeds is chemically damaged, as expected for ancient DNA, and also indicate that it should be possible to study the genetic variability of archaeological wheat by ancient DNA analysis. Finally, we describe a PCR-based system that enables tetraploid and hexaploid wheats to be distinguished.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01921727
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