The “Eve” Gene

The “Eve gene” is an informal term often used to refer to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the concept of Mitochondrial Eve, a theoretical common ancestor in human evolution.

What is Mitochondrial Eve?

Mitochondrial Eve is the name given to the woman who is estimated to be the most recent common matrilineal ancestor of all humans alive today. This doesn’t mean she was the “first” woman or the only woman alive at her time. Rather, her mtDNA is the only lineage that has persisted in an unbroken chain through mothers to all living humans.

Why the Name “Eve”?

The term is inspired by the biblical figure Eve, though the concept is purely scientific and unrelated to religious contexts.

Key Points About the Eve Gene:

1. Mitochondrial DNA: Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents, mtDNA is passed almost exclusively from mother to offspring. This makes it a useful tool for tracing maternal ancestry.
2. Timeframe: Mitochondrial Eve is estimated to have lived about 100,000 to 200,000 years ago in Africa, based on genetic studies.
3. Not Alone: She was part of a larger population of humans. However, only her matrilineal lineage survived through time, while others eventually died out.
4. Evolutionary Marker: The study of mtDNA has helped scientists trace human migration patterns and evolutionary history.

This concept highlights how all humans are deeply interconnected through shared ancestry.