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Subject: PubMed abstract: mtDNA and human evolution
Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2005 07:06:29 EDT
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Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2005;6:165-83.
Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.
Pakendorf B, Stoneking M.
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
email: , .
Several unique properties of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), including its
high copy number, maternal inheritance, lack of recombination, and high
mutation
rate, have made it the molecule of choice for studies of human population
history and evolution. Here we review the current state of knowledge concerning
these properties, how mtDNA variation is studied, what we have learned, and
what the future likely holds. We conclude that increasingly, mtDNA studies are
(and should be) supplemented with analyses of the Y-chromosome and other nuclear
DNA variation. Some serious issues need to be addressed concerning nuclear
inserts, database quality, and the possible influence of selection on mtDNA
variation. Nonetheless, mtDNA studies will continue to play an important role in
such areas as examining socio-cultural influences on human genetic variation,
ancient DNA, certain forensic DNA applications, and in tracing personal genetic
history.
PMID: 16124858 [PubMed - in process]
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Ann Turner
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