Genetic structure of Native Andean populations from Argentina inhabiting different altitudes.

On the basis of erythrocyte and serum protein polymorphisms, we investigated the level of genetic differentiation among 3 Argentinian native populations sharing ethnic and morphological characteristics but inhabiting different altitudes in the Andes. Of the 15 loci studied, 8 are monomorphic. Phenotype distribution of the polymorphic systems are in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, except for malic enzyme (MOD), where a silent allele was found. The 2 highland populations exhibit a close genetic similarity, probably as a result of intense gene flow. The lowland population shows reduced genetic diversity, which suggests the influence of stochastic phenomena such as the founder effect.