Human Mitochondrial DNA and the Evolution of Homo sapiens [Hardcover]

Mitochondrial DNA is one of the most closely explored genetic systems, because it can tell us so much about the human past. This book takes a unique perspective, presenting the disparate strands that must be tied together to exploit this system. From molecular biology to anthropology, statistics to ancient DNA, this first volume of three presents a comprehensive global picture and a critical appraisal of human mitochondrial DNA variation.

Mitochondrial DNA is one of the most explored genetic systems because of what it can tell us about the human past. This volume takes a unique perspective, presenting the disparate strands that must be tied together to exploit this system. From molecular biology to anthropology, statistics to ancient DNA, this first volume of three presents the global picture of human mitochondrial DNA variation. It takes a critical look at the field, flagging the problems, as well as the successes, and always placing the mitochondrial phylogeny centre stage.

Prerequisites and Caveats.- Mitochondrial DNA in Homo Sapiens.- The Transmission and Segregation of Mitochondrial DNA in Homo Sapiens.- Numts Revisited.- Estimation of Mutation Rates and Coalescence Times: Some Caveats.- Postmortem Damage of Mitochondrial DNA.- Lab-Specific Mutation Processes.- Evolution of Human mtDNA.- The World mtDNA Phylogeny.- The Pioneer Settlement of Modern Humans in Asia.- Ancient DNA and the Neanderthals.- A Model for the Dispersal of Modern Humans out of Africa.

From the reviews:

The study of the variation in mitochondrial DNA has significantly deepened our knowledge about human dispersal & . The book is clearly written and benefits from the true experts in the field. & it provides a strong and helpful basis and serves as a well-selected summary & . everybody involved in mtDNA research is sooner or later advised to have a look at it. (Wolfgang Haak, Journal of Comparative Human Biology,l³G