Modification in amino acids of Dead Sea Scroll Parchments.
Fragments of Dead Sea Scroll Parchments were extracted for collagen and subjected to amino acid analysis. In modern parchment samples, 90% or more of the protein could be extracted in hot aqueous solution as collagen. In the ancient specimens, 70% or less was extractable. The hot-solution insoluble material was analyzed for collagen. In the soluble extract, the quantity of tyrosine, histidine, and methionine was reduced. Dityrosine was detected. The need to extend such studies is discussed.
Sobel
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Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP), University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
Ajie
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D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis*; D049690:History, Ancient; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008373:Manuscripts as Topic; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis
D000596:Amino Acids; D014443:Tyrosine; D003094:Collagen; C007543:dityrosine