Bringing Dinosaurs Back: Comparing Reptile DNA to Dinosaur Fossils

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of recreating dinosaurs through genetic manipulation, focusing on the comparison of reptile DNA to dinosaur fossils. Participants explore theoretical methods for reconstructing dinosaur DNA and the potential for developing embryos outside of a natural host.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes determining the genetic structure of dinosaurs by comparing the chemical composition of reptile and bird bones to their DNA, suggesting a method to identify patterns in dinosaur fossils.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of reconstructing dinosaur DNA, arguing that if one had advanced genetic knowledge, it might be more practical to create new chromosomes from scratch rather than relying on degraded dinosaur DNA.
  • A third participant notes that dinosaur DNA is likely damaged and incomplete, suggesting that a better approach might be to analyze the genetic sequences of similar dinosaurs to create a complete sequence.
  • Questions are raised about the existence of extant reptiles capable of laying dinosaur-like eggs and the logistics of housing such embryos.
  • Some participants speculate on the future possibility of raising embryos outside of a body, mentioning the need for a suitable environment for nutrient extraction and placenta attachment.
  • One participant references the concept of uterine tanks from science fiction as a potential solution for nurturing genetically engineered animals, including large ones.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the feasibility of recreating dinosaurs, with no consensus reached. Some are optimistic about future possibilities, while others highlight significant challenges and uncertainties regarding the integrity of dinosaur DNA and the methods proposed.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations related to the degradation of dinosaur DNA and the assumptions involved in using genetic information from extant species. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the practicalities of embryo development and genetic reconstruction.

whatzzupboy
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Could we determine the genetic structure of a dinosaur and recreat it in a new living cell by:
1)Comparing the chemical compostion of reptiles and brid bones to the chemical compostion to there DNA and creat a ratio that gives us an idea on what ration paterns in chemical comp to look fpr in dinosaur fossils
2)Then take the DNA from a nucleus of any cell(probly best would be a stem cell) and rearange it to creat the the same DNA structure of a dinosaur?
 
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I don't know about that; but if we knew what genes it takes to make certain features then yes we could change the cell to where it would develop into a dinosaur species. I can see no reason why this couldn't be possible in several centuries or sooner. But I doubt the Crichton method would really work. DNA breaks down and unless you have super knowledge of genetics then you can't put it back together again. If one has super knowledge of genetics then you don't need old broken dino DNA; just put together new chromosomes from scratch from the four base pairs. With this level of biomanipulation you could make anything really. Creatures far more weird than dinosaurs.
 
DNA of dinosaurs is damaged, so there would be large gaps of information. You suggest filling in the gaps with bird and reptile genetic information.. a better method is to determine the genetic sequence of many similar dinosaurs and see if you can make one single complete sequence. I'm not sure what the actual integrity is of the DNA, but I think it is very poorly conserved.
 
Is there any extant reptile that would actually be able to lay a dino egg? Where would you house the embryo?
 
In the (near) future it might be possible to raise an embryo outside of a body. You just need a place to which the placenta can attach and extract nutrients.
 
Monique said:
In the (near) future it might be possible to raise an embryo outside of a body. You just need a place to which the placenta can attach and extract nutrients.

Like those uterine tanks you see in Sci-fi movies. No reason they can't work; and you could make them huge for some GE created animal the size of a blue whale when it's still a baby.
 

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