Ancient RNA Sequenced from 39,000-Year-Old Woolly Mammoth Found in Siberian Permafrost

Scientists have successfully sequenced ancient RNA from a 39,000-year-old woolly mammoth preserved in Siberian permafrost. This rare discovery provides a molecular look into the life and cell activity of an extinct Ice Age animal. The study also proves that fragile biomolecules like RNA can survive thousands of years in frozen ground, making permafrost a natural archive of ancient biology.

Ancient RNA Sequenced from 39,000-Year-Old Woolly Mammoth Found in Siberian Permafrost

Discovery of the Mammoth “Yuka”

The mammoth, known as Yuka, was found near the Laptev Sea coast. Because the body remained frozen soon after death, soft tissues like skin and muscle stayed preserved. Extremely low temperatures and fast burial helped protect the mammoth’s cellular material from damage, allowing scientists to recover small fragments of RNA.

What the Ancient RNA Revealed

Unlike DNA, which shows genetic code, RNA reveals which genes were active near the animal’s time of death. The mammoth RNA showed:

• Genes linked to muscle structure and strength
• Genes for cell repair and maintenance
• Genes involved in energy production
• Stress response signals, showing the mammoth may have been struggling physically shortly before death

When compared with modern elephant RNA, the sequences matched closely, proving the RNA was authentically mammoth.

Advanced Scientific Techniques

Scientists used highly specialised methods to extract extremely damaged RNA. They used:

• Clean room labs to prevent contamination
• Next-generation sequencing to read ultra-short fragments
• Genetic cross-check testing to confirm mammoth origin

This research marks a major step forward in palaeogenomics, moving beyond ancient DNA to understand gene activity in extinct species.

Permafrost and Climate Change Concerns

The mammoth lived in a cold, grassy mammoth-steppe ecosystem. Permafrost protected Yuka’s tissues for thousands of years. But scientists warn that climate change is melting permafrost rapidly, which may destroy ancient biological evidence before it can be studied. More Ice Age animals may appear, but their molecular data could disappear quickly once thawed.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• Woolly mammoth Yuka is about 39,000 years old and was found in Siberian permafrost.
• Researchers recovered ancient RNA, which reveals active genes before death.
• RNA indicated muscle, cell maintenance, energy metabolism, and stress responses.
• RNA survival proves permafrost acts as a natural biological archive.
• Study used next-generation sequencing and strict contamination control.
• Climate change threatens permafrost, risking loss of ancient biomolecules.

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Question & Answer

Q1. Where was the woolly mammoth specimen “Yuka” discovered?
(a) Alaska
(b) Siberian permafrost
(c) Greenland ice sheet
(d) Canadian Arctic
Answer: Siberian permafrost

Q2. What makes RNA different from DNA in this research context?
(a) RNA shows bone structure
(b) RNA reveals which genes were active in cells
(c) RNA is easier to extract
(d) RNA lasts longer than DNA
Answer: RNA reveals which genes were active in cells

Q3. The recovered mammoth RNA showed signals mainly related to:
(a) Vision and hearing
(b) Skin color and hair growth
(c) Muscle, energy use, and stress response
(d) Reproduction and growth hormones
Answer: Muscle, energy use, and stress response

Q4. What threat does climate change pose to similar discoveries?
(a) Creates more mammoths
(b) Makes RNA stronger
(c) Melting permafrost may destroy ancient biomolecules
(d) Improves fossil preservation
Answer: Melting permafrost may destroy ancient biomolecules

Q5. Which modern animal genome was used for comparison to verify the RNA sequences?
(a) Rhinoceros
(b) Polar bear
(c) African elephant
(d) Modern elephant
Answer: Modern elephant

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