When I had originally asked the DNA question, I had heard in casual
conversation that someone was actually trying to extract DNA from the
calcareous portion of the shell.  Harry Lee responded with an excellent
explanation of how possibly there could be enough genetic type material in
the conchiolin layer of the shell.  I would expect that the possibility
exists to extract material from dried out portions of animal matter left on
the shell, but I was puzzled as to how DNA could be extracted from a
completely empty shell which would be essentially a mineral compound.

Wayne

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