Population Genetic Studies in the Kimberley of Western Australia

Abstract

More than 800 blood samples from members of 13 tribal groups in the northwest of Australia have been tested for 18 enzyme systems controlled by 21 loci and for haemoglobin. Two novel alleles, PGM¹₂¹ and ACP^F₁, are each restricted to a single tribal population, suggesting relatively recent mutations. Other alleles conform very broadly with their distributions in other Australian Aboriginal populations. In particular, PGM³₂ maintains its inland distribution whilst PGD^E and PEP B⁶ continue to be restricted to the north of the continent. Comparisons between tribes show the Baada to be distinctive, with high values of PGM²₁, GPT², CA⁴₂ and ESD² as well as having the novel allele ACP^F₁.