Path: utzoo!censor!geac!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!news.cs.indiana.edu!cica!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!bgsuvax!gagen
From: gagen@bgsuvax.UUCP (kathleen gagen)
Newsgroups: sci.bio
Subject: Re: We've got Eve. Now what about Adam?
Message-ID: <6685@bgsuvax.UUCP>
Date: 11 Dec 90 22:10:43 GMT
References: <1990Dec8.014156.15393@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Organization: Bowling Green State University B.G., Oh.
Lines: 27

From article <1990Dec8.014156.15393@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>, by bryans@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Bryan Siegfried):
> 	The Y chromosome is in the nucleus, and like most eukaryotic
> DNA (organelle DNA excepted), many mechanisms are present to protect
> the Y chromosome from being changed. 

Although many mecnanisms are present to protect the Y (and other) chromosomes
from being changed,  it (and they) can and do change.  Mutations and chromosome
rearrangements occure.  There are, in fact genetic differences between men with
respect to the genetic information contained on their Y chromosomes.  One
visable difference is the trait called "Hairy Pinea".  This condition is
characterized by the presence of hair on the earlobe.  The gene for this trait
is located on the short arm of the Y chromosome (that portion which is not
homologous to the X). It is, therefore, inherited through the paternal line.
>
.  However, in 200,000 years (a reasonable estimate for the
> Y-chromosome Adam), there would be very little change in the Y chromosome.
> With such little change, a similar genetic drift study wouldhave very
> little accuracy.


See above.

---
Kathleen Pausic Gagen

> Bryan Siegfried							zig@uiuc.edu
> 			Biology and Economics at UIUC