Polymorphisms of classical markers, genetic structure and phenetic relationships of a black community inhabiting Choco State in Colombia

Choco State, on the Colombian pacific Coast, considered one of the most inh ospitable regions of the: world, is inhabited mostly by descendants of Afri can slaves introduced in the 16(th) and 17(th) c. A.D. Polymorphisms of cla ssical markers (blood groups ARO, Rh, MNS, Ey, K, Jk, Lu, Wr, Js, Kp, and P , serum proteins Tf, HPA* and Cc) analyzed in a sample of 130 show that the genetic constitution of Choco is similar to that of occidental Africa. Adm ixture with Amerindian and European groups occurred, as shown by the presen ce of genes distinctive of these groups and by the estimation of racial adm ixture proportions. Evidence of evolutionary forces acting on HPA* was dete cted. Thus, we present strong evidence confirming that the present genetic structure of this community is the result of the interaction between natura l selection and racial admixture.