GENEALOGY-DNA-L Archives

Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2005-01 > 1105882549


From: "Phil Goff" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Male Line Specific Y-STR Average Mutation Rates
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 08:36:22 -0500
References: <5.1.0.14.2.20050115150949.027935c0@mail.psu.edu>


Gordon and others,

I'm not trained in any area of science, but I've observed and read about how
many types of systems operate in this world. Based on this knowledge and my
own instincts, I suspect that we will ultimately conclude that there is some
element that causes differing mutation rates, either by family or
haplogroup. I'm offering no evidence because, like everyone else here, I
have none at this point. Discovering the truth is what drives me and I will
be pleased if the final outcome is that mutation rates are the same for all
families/haplogroups or different, because that will be the truth.

By my count, only eight group results have posted to Charles' Mutation Log.
This is far from adequate data for analysis. While each of us may hold
differing views on this mutation topic, I can assure you that the Log is an
unbiased summary of what you type into it. I know this because I have posted
results for the Goff Surname DNA Study. I encourage everyone on this List to
post their results to the Log as soon as possible. Thanks.

Phil Goff


>I have been following this discussion between Charles and the rest of the
>group with some interest and thought I would weigh in with some thoughts
>from a somewhat different perspective. I am not a statistician but I do
>understand what John and Ann and others are saying if the process is
>completely random. However, I have to come down on Charles' side in this
>discussion because, on the basis of my background in enzymology and
>biological chemistry, I can well imagine a mechanism whereby different
>families could have different rates of STR mutations. In fact it is very
>possible, even probable, that the rate of mutation would be influenced by
>the mother in many transmission events.

I suspect it will be quite a while before we
> have enough data to be able to satisfy the statisticians among us that any
> such difference is due to anything other than chance. In any event,
> Charles' new log is a start.
>
> Gordon Hamilton


This thread: