Author/Authors :
Scesnaite-Jerdiakova, Asta Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Pliss, Liâna Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Gerhards, Guntis University of Latvia - Institute of Latvian History, LATVIA , Gordina, Elîna Petersone University of Latvia - Institute of Latvian History, LATVIA , Gustina, Agnija Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Pole, Ilva Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Zole, Egija Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Kimsis, Jânis Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Jansone, Inta Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA , Ranka, Renate Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LATVIA
Abstract :
Sex determination is one of the most important and initial steps in human profile identification from archaeological material. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the application of mo- lecular approaches alongside morphological methods for sex determination in archaeological hu- man skeletal remains. Human skeletal remains were excavated from three cemeteries: St Gertrude Old Church, Dom Square and St Peter’s Church, of 15th–17th century burials in Rîga, Latvia. Morphological and molecular genetic methods, including amplification of genes AMELX/Y and SRY were used to analyse seven skeletal remains. The conducted analyses of morphological features identified sex in all seven cases (two females and five males). By molecular analyses of mediaeval DNA it was possible to determine sex in five of seven (71%) samples. In all positive cases full agreement between morphological estimation and molecular genetic methods was ob- served. To conclude, DNA analysis can be considered for sex identification in cases with no signs of sexual dimorphism (juvenile skeletons) or partially preserved skeletons.
Keywords :
archaeological material , ancient DNA , anthropological characteristics , amelogenin , SRY
