Proteins and molecular palaeontology

Abstract

Protein taxonomy has existed as a concept at least since 1958, but despite the efforts of the past 30 years, comparative studies of protein sequence, structure and distribution have not revolutionized any areas of systematics. The most interesting results of single gene phylogenies have been the anomalies, such as insulin in hystricomorphs or cytochrome c in the rattlesnake. Is it likely that protein sequence information can be obtained in sufficient quality and quantity from ancient material as to change this finding? The paper will assess possibilities and the likely limitations of chemical studies of ancient protein material.