Red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Moroccans and southern Spaniards: New data for the genetic history of the western Mediterranean

Population samples from Morocco (El Jadida, south Atlantic coast) and La Al pujarra (Granada mountains, Spain), located on both shores of the western M editerranean, were typed for 8 erythrocyte genetic markers: ACP1, ESD, PGD, AK1, GLO1, PGM1, SODA, and DIA. Genetic heterogeneity within western Medit erranean groups was investigated on the basis of allele frequencies of thes e 8 polymorphisms plus ABO and Ph (CDE). Only slight peculiarities for the ACP1, GLO1, and AK1 systems were observed in the 2 samples compared with ot her Mediterranean data. The new data are consistent with a main north to so uth genetic differentiation in the Mediterranean region. However, with rega rd to other European groups, the La Alpujarra population shows a particular affinity with North Africans that may be compatible with both an ancient c ommon substratum and/or a special historical influence during the Muslim do mination of the Iberian Peninsula.