GENETIC-RELATIONSHIPS OF ASIANS AND NORTHERN EUROPEANS, REVEALED BY Y-CHROMOSOMAL DNA ANALYSIS

We have identified a new T-->C transition on the human Y chromosome. C -allele chromosomes have been found only in a subset of the population s from Asia and northern Europe and reach their highest frequencies in Yakut, Buryats, and Finns. Examination of the microsatellite haplotyp es of the C-allele chromosomes suggests that the mutation occurred rec ently in Asia. The Y chromosome thus provides both information about p opulation relationships in Asia and evidence for a substantial paterna l genetic contribution of Asians to northern European populations such as the Finns.