CLASSICAL GENETIC-MARKERS AND DNA MARKERS - A COMMENSAL MARRIAGE

In this paper, we present an overview of classical genetic markers in nonhuman primates and then contrast the discriminatory powers of these markers with DNA markers. We have restricted the scope of our discuss ion to genetic markers found in blood, since they have been studied mo st extensively over the past 30 years. For example, immunoglobulin all otypes, complement markers, transferrins, and other protein markers ca n be identified using serum or plasma. Lymphocytes carry the major his tocompatibility complex (MHC) markers, which are very polymorphic in m ost non-human primates. Lymphocytes are also used as a source of DNA. Finally, red blood cells carry an enormous array of blood group as wel l as isozyme markers. Our discussion will be limited to three species: rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), baboons (Papio hamadryas), and chimp anzees (Pan troglodytes), although the principles are applicable to al l nonhuman primates.