Use of molecular genetics and historical records to reconstruct the history of local communities

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular genetics made the inference of past demographic events through the analysis of gene pools from modern populations possible. The technology uses genetic markers to provide previously unavailable resolution into questions of human evolution, migration and the historical relationship of separated human populations. Some of the genetic markers used to measure variation (polymorphism) within populations are found in the Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA. Variations in these two types of DNA can be grouped into continent-specific haplogroups or lineages. Geographic origin can be assigned to each lineage, and consequently trace back migration pattern of human populations. Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA are used to construct paternal and maternal lineages respectively. The use of these molecular techniques together with historical records in an integrated manner can greatly benefit the study of the social history of admixed communities, such as the Cape Muslim community living in the Western Cape of South Africa.