- Sains
- Meja Berita
- Source: uk.euleader.org
Scientists have discovered preserved collagen molecules, the original protein of bone tissue, in the bones of a 66-million-year-old dinosaur. This discovery refutes the notion that petrification destroys all organic molecules. The work was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.
We're talking about the sacrum of a 22 kg Edmontosaurus from the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota, dating from the late Cretaceous period. In the sample, scientists found hydroxyproline, an amino acid characteristic of collagen.
To rule out inadvertent contamination from modern proteins, the researchers used several techniques, including protein sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis confirmed that the organic matter came from the fossil itself and was not incorporated into the fossil later.
The debate about whether proteins can survive for tens of millions of years has been going on in science for about 30 years. New data obtained from a team led by Professor Steve Taylor of the University of Liverpool points to the fact that, under certain conditions, this can happen.
According to the authors, archival photographs of fossils accumulated over more than a century could conceal many collagen-preserved specimens, meaning paleontologists already have a treasure trove for future molecular studies of extinct species.
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