ABO Blood Group in Neandertals
Author Information
Author(s): Carles Lalueza-Fox, Elena Gigli, Marco de la Rasilla, Javier Fortea, Antonio Rosas, Jaume Bertranpetit, Johannes Krause
Hypothesis
Did the ABO blood group alleles exist in Neandertals?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the O blood group allele existed in Neandertals and predates the divergence of modern humans and Neandertals.
Supporting Evidence
- The study analyzed two male Neandertals that were almost free of modern human DNA contamination.
- A specific deletion for blood group O was found in both Neandertal individuals.
- The results suggest that the O blood group allele predates the divergence of modern humans and Neandertals.
Takeaway
Scientists found that Neandertals likely had the O blood type, which means this blood type is very old and existed before humans and Neandertals split apart.
Methodology
The study involved DNA extraction and amplification from two Neandertal samples using PCR techniques.
Limitations
The study acknowledges potential contamination from modern human DNA.
Participant Demographics
Two male Neandertals from the El Sidrón site in Asturias, Spain.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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