Sri Ganganagar's Sikh Community: Unveiling Genetic Secrets

India's vast and varied population has long been a subject of interest for genetic researchers. The Sikh community in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, is one such group that has recently been under the microscope. This study focused on 297 unrelated individuals from this community. The goal was to analyze their genetic makeup using 24 specific STR markers. STR markers are like genetic fingerprints. They are unique to each individual and are widely used in forensic science. The study used a kit called Ingenomics AutoProfiler STR Kit to examine these markers. The results showed a broad range of genetic diversity among the participants. One interesting finding was the frequency of allele 8 at the TPOX locus. This particular genetic marker was quite common in the studied population, appearing in 44. 4% of the individuals. Another significant marker was SE33. It stood out as the most informative, with the highest number of effective alleles and the greatest power of discrimination. This means it was very useful in distinguishing between individuals.The study also looked at various genetic parameters. These included the power of discrimination, polymorphic information content, paternity index, and power of exclusion. All the tested loci together showed a combined power of discrimination of 1. This means they were highly effective in identifying individuals within the population. When comparing the Sri Ganganagar Sikh population with other groups, genetic similarities were found with populations in Rajasthan and Punjab, Pakistan. This suggests a shared genetic heritage. The study's findings are valuable for both forensic applications and broader genetic research. They provide a deeper understanding of the genetic landscape of this specific community. However, it's important to note that while STR markers are powerful tools, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Genetic studies are complex and ever-evolving. Each new study adds to our understanding of human diversity and the intricate web of genetic relationships.