Genetic markers in Libyan Jews.

Blood groups, serum proteins, and red-cell enzyme frequencies were determined on a random sample of 148 Libyan Jews now settled in Israel. Comparisons with data on Libyan non-Jews show significant differences in most systems, implying maintenance of a high degree of genetic isolation of the Jewish group from surrounding populations. The relative lack of the African component in their gene pool shows that they have interbred very little, if at all, with their negroid neighbours.