GENETIC IMPRINTING IN HUMAN-EVOLUTION - THE DECISIVE ROLE OF MATERNALLINEAGE

The modern study of human evolution must take into account physical an thropology, which examines phenotypic expression, and molecular evolut ion, which examines genotypic change. Recent independent investigation s have shown that the process of genetic imprinting, defined as parent al-dependent transmission of genetic traits, plays a pivotal role in h uman evolution. We draw on data from various scientific disciplines to support the hypothesis that maternal lineage via preferential genetic contribution, plays a decisive role in this regard. This concept is o f more than theoretical interest, in that, current human disease state s can be better understood and studied in the context of loss of genet ically-defined evolutionary advantage.