Collect genetic samples of Cao Cao's descendants

Chinese anthropologists will collect DNA samples from people who may be descendants of Cao Cao to prove their identity in the famous tomb in Ha Nam province.

Cao Cao is played by actor Truong Phong Nghi in the movie Xich Bich 2 (2009).Photo: China Film.

On December 27, 2009, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences announced that archaeologists found Cao Cao grave in Xigaoxue village, An Duong old city, Ha Nam province. Since then, public opinion is still arguing about whether the man in the grave is Cao Cao or not.

"We are collecting samples of Cao Cao's DNA from across the country," said Li Hui, professor of anthropology at Easter University, speaking at a press conference yesterday. Mr. Li is the leader of the project to collect genetic samples.

Xinhua said that the purpose of collecting DNA is to determine the genetic code of the Y chromosome in Cao Cao's descendants. This code is passed from father to son.

"If we could analyze the DNA of the skull in the grave and the DNA analysis results from Cao's descendants, then we can conclude that the man in the grave is Cao Cao , " Li explained. prefer.

According to experts, in human genes, every 17 generations of nucleotide pairs will mutate once. Those mutations are called SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism). Male members of a family will carry the SNP mutations handed down by their father.

Collecting full DNA samples from Cao Cao's remains is not easy. But Li insisted that scientists could find information about the SNP mutation on Cao's Y chromosome in DNA samples from his descendants.

Many historical studies show that Cao Cao may be descended from the Ha Hau clan. Therefore, experts will collect DNA samples of Chinese men carrying the family Hou Xia. Li said family lineages will also be used to limit the number of DNA sample providers. Dozens of people from all over China have registered to participate in the project. Some people are even willing to provide family pedigree.

According to Li, the project will need DNA samples from at least several hundred Chinese men. If the sample is large enough, experts need 6 months to complete the analysis. However, Li did not say whether the analytical results were publicly available.