Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.

doi:10.1146/annurev.genom.6.080604.162249

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Article

Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.

Annual review of genomics and human genetics - 1 Jan 2005

Pakendorf Brigitte, Stoneking Mark

Abstract excerpt

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....

Topics

DNA, Mitochondrial
Evolution, Molecular
Female
Gene Dosage
Genetic Variation
Genetics, Population
Genome, Human
Humans
Male
Mutation
Recombination, Genetic

Source

Open in PubMed

Identifiers

PMID: 16124858
DOI: 10.1146/annurev.genom.6.080604.162249

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