Molecular preservation in mammoth bone and variation based on burial environment

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Biogeochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Biomolecules in fossils are crucial for understanding ancient life and evolution.
• Molecular taphonomy investigates biomolecule preservation and interpretation in fossils.
• Limited research has explored the impact of burial context on multiple biomolecular classes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preservation of proteins and lipids in fossil mammoth bones.
• To assess the influence of burial context and bone location on biomolecule preservation.
• To combine analytical techniques for a comprehensive understanding of molecular preservation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques.
• Analyzed intact fossil mammoth bones from various ages and depositional settings.
• Examined biomolecule preservation in different bone locations (e.g., cortical bone).

Main Results:

• Endogenous amino acids, amides, and lipids are well-preserved in fossil bone.
• Dense cortical bone shows better biomolecule preservation due to slower degradation and reduced contamination.
• Biomolecule loss is influenced by burial environment, temperature, and begins early.
• Both exogenous and endogenous molecular signals can be present and informative in fossils.

Conclusions:

• Fossil bone can retain significant endogenous biomolecular information.
• Burial context and bone microstructure critically affect molecular preservation.
• Integrated molecular approaches provide a more complete picture of fossil biomolecules.