The development of non-destructive sampling methods of parchment skins for genetic species identification.

ABSTRACT: Parchment, the skins of animals prepared for use as writing surfaces, offers a valuable source of genetic information. Many have clearly defined provenance, allowing for the genetic findings to be evaluated in temporal and spatial context. While these documents can yield evidence of the animal sources, the DNA contained within these aged skins is often damaged and fragmented. Previously, genetic studies targeting parchment have used destructive sampling techniques and so the development and validation of non-destructive sampling methods would expand opportunities and facilitate testing of more precious documents, especially those with historical significance. Here we present genetic data obtained by non-destructive sampling of eight parchments spanning the 15th century to the modern day. W

SUBMITTER: Scheible M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10954192 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature