Gene mixing
When crossing two individuals belonging to different populations, the DNA of their descendants is a mixture of the DNA of each of them. Subsequently, DNA fragments are passed on to the next generations. With each generation, pairs of chromosomes exchange homologous sections, and the earlier the DNA of a visiting young man, a full-fledged mother, etc. appeared in the family of the examined, the shorter and further apart the sections of their chromosomes will be.
Schematic representation of the process of recombination of chromosome sections in generations
(here and below are drawings from the site paintmychromosomes.com )
Researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, Oxford University and University College London have created a world map that reflects in detail the genetic history of various modern populations living in different parts of the world, covering the last four millennia.
On an interactive map available on the Internet, it is possible to trace the history of interaction between human populations originating in different regions of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
Scratch the Russian… When Tatars and Ukrainians are added to the database, the family of fraternal peoples will undoubtedly grow
It demonstrates the most likely genetic effects of historical events, including European colonialism, the existence of the Mongol Empire, the Arab slave trade and the movements of European traders through China along the Great Silk Road.
The study made it possible to simultaneously determine the date and characterize the genetic mixing of populations. To do this, scientists have developed sophisticated statistical methods that have been used to analyze the DNA of 1,490 people from 95 modern populations.
According to the authors, the use of only genetic data excluded the influence of other factors on the results obtained. Many of the observations made exactly coincide with historical events, while there are also data indicating previously unregistered gene mixing. For example, the DNA of representatives of the Tu people living in the territory of modern China indicates that around 1200 A.D. European genes similar to the genes of modern Greeks joined this typically Chinese population. It is likely that the source of the European DNA could be traders.
The powerful technology developed by the authors, called "Globetrotter" (from the English traveler), provided specialists with new data that will allow them to better understand such important events of the past as the genetic heritage of the Mongolian Empire. According to historical records, the Hazaras living in Pakistan are partly descendants of Mongol warriors. During the study, the authors received clear evidence that Mongolian DNA appeared in this population just during the existence of the empire. The DNA of representatives of six other populations also revealed signs of genetic mixing with the Mongols during the same period.
The authors note that, in addition to deepening our knowledge about the history of mankind, the work they have done will allow us to better understand how DNA features affect the state of health and predisposition to certain diseases in various human populations.
Article by Garrett Hellenthal et al. A Genetic Atlas of Human Admixture History is published in the journal Science.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of Max-Planck-Gesellschaft: Mixed genes
and University College London: Interactive map of human genetic history revealed.
18.02.2014