The analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) provides archaeologists and anthropologists with innovative, scientific and accurate data to study and understand the past. In this work, ancient seeds, found in the "Mora Cavorso" archaeological site (Latium, Central Italy), were analyzed to increase information about Italian Neolithic populations (plant use, agriculture, diet, trades, customs and ecology). We performed morphological and genetic techniques to identify fossil botanical species. In particular, this study also suggests and emphasizes the use of DNA barcode method for ancient plant sample analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations showed seed compact structure and irregular surface but they did not permit a precise nor empirical classification: so, a molecular approach was necessary. DNA was extracted from ancient seeds and then it was used, as template, for PCR amplifications of standardized barcode genes. Although aDNA could be highly degraded by the time, successful PCR products were obtained, sequenced and compared to nucleotide sequence databases. Positive outcomes (supported by morphological comparison with modern seeds, geographical distribution and historical data) indicated that seeds could be identified as belonging to two plant species: Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L.

Gismondi, A., Rolfo, M.f., Leonardi, D., Rickards, O., Canini, A. (2012). Identification of ancient Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L. seeds by DNA barcoding. COMPTES RENDUS BIOLOGIES, 335(7), 472-479 [10.1016/j.crvi.2012.05.004].

Identification of ancient Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L. seeds by DNA barcoding

GISMONDI, ANGELO;ROLFO, MARIO FEDERICO;RICKARDS, OLGA;CANINI, ANTONELLA
2012-01-01

Abstract

The analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) provides archaeologists and anthropologists with innovative, scientific and accurate data to study and understand the past. In this work, ancient seeds, found in the "Mora Cavorso" archaeological site (Latium, Central Italy), were analyzed to increase information about Italian Neolithic populations (plant use, agriculture, diet, trades, customs and ecology). We performed morphological and genetic techniques to identify fossil botanical species. In particular, this study also suggests and emphasizes the use of DNA barcode method for ancient plant sample analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations showed seed compact structure and irregular surface but they did not permit a precise nor empirical classification: so, a molecular approach was necessary. DNA was extracted from ancient seeds and then it was used, as template, for PCR amplifications of standardized barcode genes. Although aDNA could be highly degraded by the time, successful PCR products were obtained, sequenced and compared to nucleotide sequence databases. Positive outcomes (supported by morphological comparison with modern seeds, geographical distribution and historical data) indicated that seeds could be identified as belonging to two plant species: Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L.
2012
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore BIO/01 - BOTANICA GENERALE
English
Con Impact Factor ISI
Gismondi, A., Rolfo, M.f., Leonardi, D., Rickards, O., Canini, A. (2012). Identification of ancient Olea europaea L. and Cornus mas L. seeds by DNA barcoding. COMPTES RENDUS BIOLOGIES, 335(7), 472-479 [10.1016/j.crvi.2012.05.004].
Gismondi, A; Rolfo, Mf; Leonardi, D; Rickards, O; Canini, A
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/76864
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