On the genetics and population genetics of Gm(4)

Investigations on 70 German families with 142 children confirmed the autosomal-dominant inheritance of Gm(4). However, in our material as well as in the materials published so far, Gm(4) X Gm(-4) parental combinations show clear surplusses of Gm(4) and deficits of Gm(-4) children, which might indicate prenatal selection. The world distribution of Gm4 alleles reveals a remarkable racial heterogeneity. Furthermore, marked North-South distribution gradients in Caucasoids and Mongoloids were found. The genetical and population genetical observations are discussed.