MAGENHA

 By: Samuel Martinez Alcala (10 minute lecture) Haplogroups are a valuable tool that helps us explore our ancient origins, migration patterns, and ancestral heritage through DNA analysis. Formally, haplogroups are groups of similar haplotypes, which are variations in specific position of a given (DNA) sequence [17]. They focus on the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA, which carry genetic information passed down from fathers to sons and from mothers to both sons and daughters, respectively [1][2]. Scientists classify individuals into different haplogroups by analysing specific markers in the Y chromosome or mitochondrial DNA. Each haplogroup represents a branch on our genetic family tree and some of them can be associated with specific geographic regions and populations [3][19]. For example, haplogroup R-M269 indicates a paternal lineage tracing back to a common ancestor in Europe [4], while haplogroup L1c1a suggests a maternal lineage with African roots [5]. Haplogroups have contr...