Genes and phenotypes in the Samaritan isolate

A genetic and anthropological survey of the Samaritan community in Israel carried out in the autumn of 1963 included tests for about 30 blood group antigens, several serum proteins, hemoglobin variants Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase activity, secretor status, color‐blindness and some 18 anthropometric measurements and 18 morphological observations. About 90% of the total group were studied. The results obtained show that in blood groups, the Samaritans have the highest O frequency in the Middle East, A2 is more common than A1, and there are more N genes than M. Not a single case of G6PD deficiency was found. The incidence of color‐blindness is very high (27%). There is heterogeneity in physical type and large variations between individuals are also manifested in hair and eye‐color distribution.