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Setting Up an Ancient DNA Laboratory

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Ancient DNA

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 840))

Abstract

Entering into the world of ancient DNA research is nontrivial. Because the DNA in most ancient specimens is degraded to some extent, the potential for contamination of ancient samples and DNA extracts with modern DNA is considerable. To minimize the risk associated with working with ancient DNA, experimental protocols specific to handling ancient specimens have been introduced. Here, I outline the challenges associated with working with ancient DNA and describe guidelines for setting up a new ancient DNA laboratory. I also discuss steps that can be taken at the sample collection and preparation stage to minimize the potential for contamination with exogenous sources of DNA.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 320 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Tara L. Fulton

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  1. Tara L. Fulton
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Correspondence to Tara L. Fulton .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biolog, University of California Santa Cruz, A414 Earth & Marine Sciences, Santa Cruz, 16802, California, USA

    Beth Shapiro

  2. , Department of Biology (Area 2), University of York, Heslington, York, YO 105DD, United Kingdom

    Michael Hofreiter

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Fulton, T.L. (2012). Setting Up an Ancient DNA Laboratory. In: Shapiro, B., Hofreiter, M. (eds) Ancient DNA. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 840. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-516-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-516-9_1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-515-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-516-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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