Genetic Affinities of the Balts: A Study of Blood Groups, Serum Proteins and Enzymes of Lithuanians in the United Kingdom

A sample of 207 Lithuanians in the United Kingdom has provided indirect access to the distribution of genetic blood markers among speakers of Baltic languages (the Balts). Blood samples were tested for forty-six blood group antigens and electrophoretic variants of fifteen serum protein and enzyme sy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Man 1983-09, Vol.18 (3), p.535-552
Main Authors: Harvey, R. G., Tills, D., Warlow, A., Kopec, A. C., Domaniewska-Sobczak, K., Suter, D., Lord, J. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alleles
Blood grouping
Blood groups
Blood proteins
Enzymes
Frequency ranges
Gene frequency
Genetics
Population genetics
Slavic culture
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Summary:A sample of 207 Lithuanians in the United Kingdom has provided indirect access to the distribution of genetic blood markers among speakers of Baltic languages (the Balts). Blood samples were tested for forty-six blood group antigens and electrophoretic variants of fifteen serum protein and enzyme systems. The results are presented within the context of serological and biochemical genetic variation in northern, central and eastern Europe. The sample is considered to be representative of Lithuania, with a regional bias towards the centre and south o the country. In ABO, Lutheran, Kell and ADA systems some allele frequencies seem to be characteristics with the Balts. Other frequencies occupy an intermediate position between Finno-Ugrian and Slavonic languages speakers. A genetic distance analysis indicates that the Lithuanians are no closer in their genetic relationship to Finns than they are to Russians or Poles. It is concluded that the distinctive array of genetic traits among Lithuanians may be the result of the survival of genes associated with early Indo-European ancestral populations. Geographical isolation and resistance to invasion may have helped to preserve these distinctive E. Baltic characteristics.
ISSN:0025-1496
1359-0987
DOI:10.2307/2801596