Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA, Peru, maternal parent, genetic studies
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is useful in population genetics studies because it is inherited only from the maternal parent. Because there is no paternal contribution and no recombination, mtDNA represents a clear maternal lineage. Four predominant maternal lineages or mitochondrial haplotypes have been found to exist among natives of North, Central, and South America.1 Each of the four haplotypes, A-D, is associated with a unique set of variations in the mtDNA sequence. Variations associated with types A, C, and D are identified using restriction enzymes that cleave specific DNA sequences. Type B is characterized by the presence of a nine base-pair deletion in region five of the mitochondrial genome.
Recommended Citation
McNairy, Matthew A. and Hart, Dr. David
(2013)
"MITOCHONDRIAL DNA ANALYSIS OF THE INHABITANTS OF AMANTANI, PERU,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2549.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2549