pubmed-article:9341086 | pubmed:abstractText | DNA-extracts from prehistoric roots of teeth were analyzed by PCR to investigate microsatellite-systems. At the same time the x/y-chromosome specific system Amel A/B was investigated. The samples were collected from different burial conditions of similar age. Factors leading to limited DNA-degradation are given. For the first time reproducible Quadruplex-amplification on single-copy loci of prehistoric tissue was obtained in samples from the Lichtenstein-Cave, Kr. Osterode/Harz. Positive results are explained by low temperature in the burial site. In addition the results show that desiccation allows DNA-preservation but cannot protect the DNA from damage due to microbial origin. Microorganisms can destroy DNA-structures completely. | lld:pubmed |