- View more resources from this publisherNational STEM Learning Centre and Network
- View more resources from this publisherResearch Councils UK - UKRI
Mass Spectroscopy *suitable for home teaching*
This resource looks at how cutting edge science is being used to answer archaeological questions, as well as solving present day problems, such as the identification of meat in processed foods. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA was performed, at the University of York, on samples from skeletal remains unearthed by the University of Leicester. The remains were thought to be those of the King Richard III. Five centuries after its burial, a range of techniques were used to identify the skeleton. These were:
- DNA analysis
- Bone analysis
- Genealogical study
- Evidence from the archaeological dig
- Forensic pathology analysis
- Radiocarbon dating
- Comparison with historical sources
The students activities include mass spectrometry, mitochondrial DNA analysis and looking at protein structure using collagen as an example.
This resource funded by Research Councils UK (RCUK).
Please note, some interactive files have been removed from this resource, as they are no longer supported by Adobe Flash Player.
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Downloads
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Dr Ashby - interview transcript 45.52 KB
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ZooMS procedure narration 134.89 KB
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Modelling collagen structure 3.7 MB
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Spectrum image - antler comb 82.32 KB
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Spectrum image - red deer 70.6 KB
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Spectrum image - reindeer 61.55 KB