Y-Chromsome and Mitochondrial DNA Haplotypes: Tales of Human Ancestry

Only females can trace their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineage back through their foremothers.

• a.false
• b.true

Genetic sequences that we inherit from only parent are called _____.

• a.haplotypes
• b.autosomal genes
• c.genome
• d.DNA

When scientists create a family tree and identify the MRCA, they are speaking about the _____.

• a.Most Reputed Common Ancestor
• b.Minimally Related Common Ancestor
• c.Most Recent Common Ancestor
• d.Minimally Random Common Ancestor

The Jewish priesthood (Kohanim) provides a lesson on the utility of haplotypes in population research because:

• a.It demonstrates the phenomenon of pedigree collapse.
• b.Since William Sanchez was a priest made it more likely that would carry a Jewish Y-chromosome haplotype.
• c.It identifies people who are at particular risk for diseases that typically affect Jewish people.
• d.It is passed down from father to son and therefore identifies men who share Y-chromosome sequences.

Mitochondria have some of their own DNA because

• a.They come from your mother.
• b.They likely evolved from autonomous bacterial cells.
• c.They are organelles.
• d.They are found within cells.

The mtDNA haplotypes can be linked to a last common mitochondrial ancestor, sometimes called the mitochondrial Eve.

• a.true
• b.false

Research on _____ reveals gene flow, interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans.

• a.bacteria
• b.haplotypes
• c.mtDNA
• d.Y-chromosomes

_____is when distant relatives mate with each other creating a family tree in which an ancestor will appear in multiple places.

• a.pedigree collapse
• b.pedigree increase
• c.descendent collapse
• d.descendent increase