Molecular preservation and crystallographic alterations in a weathering sequence of wildebeest bones

摘要: Abstract The changes that occur in bone after the death of an animal are important because they control whether becomes a fossil and what information is retained concerning original biology animal. Taphonomic study two 10-year longitudinal samples wildebeest bones subjected to natural weathering Amboseli Park, Kenya, provides evidence for progressive change both organic inorganic components mammalian bone. These correspond stages described on macroscopic structural features. were well-established techniques protein extraction from mineralized tissue, identification by gel electrophoresis reactivity antibodies noncollagenous proteins, as well X-ray defractometry mineral component. Both adult juvenile show increase hydroxyapatite crystal size increased degradation over period. Noncollagenous proteins persist at their molecular weight diminished amounts relative modern controls. In area, 10 years or less surface altered extractability collagen, indicating peptide crosslinking cleavage this protein. Increased may reflect tendency crystals enlarge situ once matrix begins breakdown, without addition external minerals.