BERT ELY

Bert Ely

Professor of Biological Sciences
Ph.D., 1973, Johns Hopkins University
803-777-2768
ely@biol.sc.edu

Dr. Ely's Personal Web Page
Publications
Roots Project
Teaching & Outreach

Molecular Genetics, Genetics of Fish and Human Populations

Genetics of Fish Populations. Dr. Ely's laboratory uses DNA technology to study the genetics of fish populations. Techniques such as RFLP analysis, microsatellite assays and nucleotide sequencing have been used in studies with striped bass, tuna and swordfish to detect genetic variation. The resulting information is then used for a variety of studies ranging from the analysis of the reproductive contributions of individual fish to measures of gene flow between populations. Currently, we are using these techniques to identify genetically distinct sub-populations, to define patterns of migration, and to identify sibling relationships among wild fish. Also, we are collaborating with several other research groups to construct a genetic map for striped bass to assist with the development of superior broodstock for these fish.

Genetics of Human Populations. A second project, the African-American DNA Roots Project has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Bruce A. Jackson from the Boston University Medical School to use specific DNA analysis techniques to attempt to identify unique signature sequences among African-Americans that might link them to particular West African tribes. Genetic haplotypes present in the Y chromosome DNA ("Y DNA") and mitochondrial DNA ("mtDNA") are used for this purpose. These unique genetic elements are passed directly through the paternal and maternal lines, respectively so that they can be used to trace a direct line of paternal and/or maternal descent. Additionally, different paternal and maternal lineages have different genetic signatures in their Y DNAs and mtDNAs, so that all paternal or maternal relatives from a particular lineage can usually be distinguished from those of other lineages.

For Recent Publications and additional information about Dr. Ely's Research, Teaching and Outreach Efforts, please go to Dr. Elys Personal Web Page: http://www.biol.sc.edu/~elygen/

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This is <URL:http://www.biol.sc.edu/faculty/ely.html> last modified 09 July 2002