Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution

Nature. 1987 Jan;325(6099):31-6. doi: 10.1038/325031a0.

Abstract

Mitochondrial DNAs from 147 people, drawn from five geographic populations have been analysed by restriction mapping. All these mitochondrial DNAs stem from one woman who is postulated to have lived about 200,000 years ago, probably in Africa. All the populations examined except the African population have multiple origins, implying that each area was colonised repeatedly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • DNA / analysis
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes / metabolism
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mathematics

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • DNA
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes