Chinese scientists have completed mapping the genome of the Mongolian people, a first for a Chinese ethnic minority, a political adviser said on Sunday.

The group genome samples came from 200 volunteers from four Mongolian tribes, said Zhou Huanmin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.

The achievement will reveal the genome features, genetic variations and the evolution of the ethnic group, said Zhou, who is also a professor at Inner Mongolia Agriculture University and the head of a key biotechnology lab in the province.

The map will help improve the health of the ethnic group in the future through personalized healthcare options, Zhou said.

Different ethnic groups show considerable differences in the types and incidence of genetically determined diseases.

"By analyzing the genome mapping, we may uncover genetic characteristics, merits and disadvantages. It can play a big role in the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of diseases," said Zhou.

Through genome mapping, scientists may be able to determine risk for genetic diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, schizophrenia, depression and cancer, enabling them to receive preventative care and advance treatment, he added.

(China Daily 03/11/2013 page3)