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Archiver > DNA-R1B1C7 > 2008-01 > 1200810687


From: "Harold" <>
Subject: [DNA-R1B1C7] DNA mutation kinetics ?
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:31:27 -0600


For what it's worth:

The past several postings suggested to me a kinetic similarity of nuclear decay (and chemical reactions) and haplotype mutations. For a given locus, mutation should be a first order reaction, with the rate of mutation proportional to the number of replications. The production of haploid gametes should be considered as the replication, but the formation of a diploid embryo is equivalent in probably terms, even though it is in far fewer numbers. The specific rate constant would depend on the molecular environment and stability of the given locus and would be different for each locus.

If this is the case, single-point origin of a new haplotype is possible but unlikely. Convergence of two remotely related haplotypes is also possible but it would be quite rare. From the precursor haplotype population multiple occurrences of the same mutation should be the rule rather than the exception, even if the precursor population is widely dispersed. So R1b1c7 in Northern Ireland could be from favorable accumulation from several individuals at different times from different populations, or it could be a colony from an as yet undiscovered continental population.

Harold

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