MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA POLYMORPHISMS IN CARIB PEOPLE OF BELIZE

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region polymorphisms in 28 Carib people of Belize, former British Honduras, revealed high leve ls of genetic admixture with West African populations. A previously ch aracterized length mutation consisting of a deletion of nine base pair s in an intergenic mtDNA region was observed in two of the individuals . Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA control region sequences associated w ith the mutation suggested that it arose independently in different ge ographical locations. Whereas in one individual the deletion reflects the Amerindian ancestry of the Caribs, in the second case it seems to be of African origin, as it occurred in conjunction with an mtDNA type found in sub-Saharan Africa. Our results agree with historical accoun ts on the origins of the Caribs of Belize.