Why is it that mtDNA could show no H.neanderthalensis x H. sapiens interbreeding, but nuclear DNA would?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed down from mother to child, while nuclear DNA comes from both parents. Therefore, when looking at mtDNA, it appears that there is no interbreeding between H.neanderthalensis and H.sapiens, as any interbreeding that did occur would not be passed down. However, when looking at nuclear DNA, it is possible to observe evidence of interbreeding between the two species, as the DNA from both parents is present in the offspring.

Differences Between mtDNA and Nuclear DNA

mtDNA is more likely to remain unchanged from generation to generation than nuclear DNA, as it is passed down solely from the mother. Therefore, the mtDNA of an individual will be extremely similar to that of their mother’s. This is why mtDNA can be used to track maternal lineages. On the other hand, nuclear DNA comes from both the mother and the father, and is subject to recombination. This means that the nuclear DNA of an individual is unlikely to be the same as that of their parents.

Advantages and Disadvantages of mtDNA and Nuclear DNA

One advantage of mtDNA is that it can be used to track maternal lineages and detect ancient population movements. However, it cannot be used to identify interbreeding between different species. Nuclear DNA, on the other hand, can be used to detect interbreeding between different species, but it cannot be used to track ancient population movements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mtDNA can be used to track maternal lineages, but cannot be used to detect interbreeding between different species. Nuclear DNA, on the other hand, can be used to detect interbreeding between different species, but cannot be used to track ancient population movements.

Related Questions

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