Phylogenetic Analysis using Human Mitochondrial DNA

Phylogenetic Analysis using Human Mitochondrial DNA

DNA, which is found in nearly every cell in our body, is often used to identify members of a population because it is unique to each person. In addition, these differences can be used to identify mspects about a person's lineage and determine what geographical region they originate from. DNA is compared with others in the population by using specific markers that are representative of various regions. To compare the genetic markers within my immediate family, genomic DNA was isolated and amplified using the technique of PCR. The obtained products were then sequenced and studied to determine what genetic markers they contain. The markers that are being studied are found within mitochondrial DNA, which can only be maternally inherited. Studying these sequences will help to determine if my family truly did originate from Italy as has been suggested from historical records. The sequences are cunently being compared through phylogenetic software and literature research is also being done to decipher the markers in our sequences.