Y- Chromosome Polymorphism in the Mongolian Origin Population of Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalaya

Abstract

The gender identity of a person is the end result of genetic, hormonal, morphologic and environmental factor. The study includes an analysis of the variability of length in the Y-chromosome in the normal population of Mongolian origin extending from foothills/plain to altitudes of 8500 ft and above. A wide variability in the length of Y-chromosome has been indicated between the races. Long Y-chromosome is most frequent in the Kirati Complex and the Hill Tribes. Observation was compared with other available reports; also possible mechanism of the Y-chromosome length heteromorphisms and their role in ethnic variation are discussed. Possible involvement of constitutive heterochromatin variability, a class of chromosomal polymorphism, in evolutionary diversification and adaptation has been assessed in the ethnic populations of Mongolian races inhabiting different altitudes and geographical conditions.