<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> The evolution of modern humans is a long and difficult process which started from their first appearance and continues to the present day. The study of the genetic origin of populations can help to determine population kinship and to better understand the gradual changes of the gene pool in space and time. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a proper tool for the determination of the origin of populations due to its high evolutionary importance. Ancient mitochondrial DNA retrieved from museum specimens, archaeological finds and fossil remains can provide direct evidence for population origins and migration processes. Despite the problems with contaminations and authenticity of ancient mitochondrial DNA, there is a developed set of criteria and platforms for obtaining authentic ancient DNA. During the last two decades, the application of different methods and techniques for analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA gave promising results. Still, the literature is relatively poor with information for the origin of human populations. Using comprehensive phylogeographic and population analyses we can observe the development and formation of the contemporary populations. The aim of this study was to shed light on human migratory processes and the formation of populations based on available ancient mtDNA data.</p></abstract>

The evolution of modern humans is a long and difficult process which started from their first appearance and continues to the present day. The study of the genetic origin of populations can help to determine population kinship and to better understand the gradual changes of the gene pool in space and time. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a proper tool for the determination of the origin of populations due to its high evolutionary importance. Ancient mitochondrial DNA retrieved from museum specimens, archaeological finds and fossil remains can provide direct evidence for population origins and migration processes. Despite the problems with contaminations and authenticity of ancient mitochondrial DNA, there is a developed set of criteria and platforms for obtaining authentic ancient DNA. During the last two decades, the application of different methods and techniques for analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA gave promising results. Still, the literature is relatively poor with information for the origin of human populations. Using comprehensive phylogeographic and population analyses we can observe the development and formation of the contemporary populations. The aim of this study was to shed light on human migratory processes and the formation of populations based on available ancient mtDNA data.

Aspects of Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in Different Populations for Understanding Human Evolution

Desislava V. Nesheva, Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave str., fl. 6, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

The evolution of modern humans is a long and difficult process which started from their first appearance and continues to the present day. The study of the...

Aspects of Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in Different Populations for Understanding Human Evolution

Published Online: Dec 11, 2014

Page range: 5 - 14

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bjmg-2014-0019

Keywords
Ancient DNA (aDNA), Evolution, Haplo-groups, Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Population

© Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Aspects of Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in Different Populations for Understanding Human Evolution

Published Online: Dec 11, 2014

Page range: 5 - 14

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bjmg-2014-0019

KeywordsAncient DNA (aDNA), Evolution, Haplo-groups, Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Population

© Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Ancient DNA (aDNA), Evolution, Haplo-groups, Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Population