In article <1992Feb26.182351.16337 at news.nd.edu> bpollak1 at frumpy.helios.nd.edu (brian pollak) writes:
>> I'm not 100% certain, but I though that feathers were made of proteins
>(specifically keratin - like hair). In which case, there is no DNA in feathers.
>Please let me know if I'm way off here.
>>-Bri at nI believe you are off here. Feather pulp contains dermal material and
therefore does have DNA. When a feather forms it is supplied with nutrients
and blood through the pulp. However, when the feather is molted, the pulp
withdraws and is used to develop the next replacement feather. Therefore,
I would think that one could get DNA from a living feather (before molting)
by pulling the feather out of the bird. But, one couldn't get DNA from
a feather that is found on the ground.
Rachel
