PIs and collaborators will attempt to extract DNA from preserved cells in an exquisitely preserved skeleton of the Upper Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, from the Hell Creek Formation of Montana. Within vascular canals and in the marrow cavities of leg bones, PIs have found spherical structures that have the appearance of nucleated red blood cells. Preliminary analyses of these structures indicate the presence of proteins and nucleic acids. An attempt will be made to extract DNA from these apparent red blood cell remnants. If successful, these results could be of great significance to our understanding of dinosaur phylogeny, and will also be of great interest to the growing community of scientists attempting to extract DNA from fossil material.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9311542
Program Officer
Christopher G. Maples
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1993-05-01
Budget End
1995-04-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
$38,438
Indirect Cost
Name
Montana State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Bozeman
State
MT
Country
United States
Zip Code
59717