Yes, gum can contain DNA. Studies have shown that ancient chewing gum, made from birch pitch, can preserve DNA for thousands of years. This DNA can be used to analyze the diet, health, and even the genetic makeup of the individuals who chewed the gum.
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Ancient Gum as a Source of DNA: Researchers have successfully extracted and sequenced DNA from birch pitch gum dating back thousands of years. This includes both human DNA and the DNA of microorganisms present in the mouth of the chewer.
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Insights from Ancient Gum DNA: By analyzing the DNA found in ancient gum, scientists have been able to learn about:
- The diet of ancient people: For example, researchers have identified the presence of deer, trout, hazelnuts, apple, duck, and even fox in the diet of Stone Age individuals based on DNA found in their chewing gum.
- The oral health of ancient people: The presence of specific bacteria in the gum can provide insights into the oral health of the individual.
- The genetic makeup of ancient individuals: By analyzing the human DNA found in the gum, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the genetic relationships between ancient populations.
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Modern Gum and DNA: While modern chewing gum typically does not contain DNA in the same way as ancient birch pitch gum, it can still contain traces of human DNA. This DNA can be transferred through saliva or contact with the mouth.
