GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN THE WHITE-POPULATION OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Genetic variation in the rural population of the State of Victoria, Au stralia, is demonstrated through the analysis of eight genetically ind ependent red cell antigen, red cell enzyme and plasma protein systems in a sample of more than 2000 blood donors. The polymorphisms investig ated were ABO, RH, KEL, esterase D (ESD), glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), phospho glucomutase locus 1 (PGM1), haptoglobin (HP) and the third component o f complement (C3). For genetic distance analysis the sample was subdiv ided into nine regions using the Victorian Government's Statistical Di visions. Considerable regional genetic heterogeneity exists, with the Goulburn and the Central Highlands divisions being the most distinct, not only from the other seven divisions, but also from each other. The pattern of micro-differentiation is complex and cannot be easily expl ained, but there is evidence of varying levels of systematic evolution ary pressure on the Victorian divisions. The investigation of the prop ortion born overseas in each division, and their respective countries of origin, did not help in the interpretation of the findings. Overall , rural Victorians exhibited allele frequencies very similar to the po pulations of both Melbourne, the Victorian capital, and the island Sta te of Tasmania.