Archaeogenetics is the study of ancient DNA using various molecular genetic methods and DNA resources. This form of genetic analysis can be applied to human, animal, and plant specimens. Ancient DNA can be extracted from various fossilized specimens including bones, eggshells, and artificially preserved tissues in human and animal specimens. In plants, Ancient DNA can be extracted from seeds and tissue. Archaeogenetics provides us with genetic evidence of ancient population group migrations, domestication events, and plant and animal evolution. The ancient DNA cross referenced with the DNA of relative modern genetic populations allows researchers to run comparison studies that provide a more complete analysis when ancient DNA is compromised.
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Ancient Pyu and Modern Myanmar Populations
Studying the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing of ancient Pyu bones can provide valuable insights into the origins, migration patterns, and relationships of the Pyu population with present-day Myanmar populations. The Pyu were an ancient civilization in Myanmar (Burma) known for their city-states and early cultural developments. Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited and can provide information about maternal lineage, population structure, and historical migrations.
Research Objectives are to analyze the mtDNA of ancient Pyu bones to determine their genetic lineage, to compare the mtDNA sequences with those of present-day Myanmar populations, and to assess the genetic continuity or admixture between ancient and modern populations.