While giving an impromptu presentation yesterday, I had a question about DNA testing and genealogy. This is becoming a more frequent question so I thought I would add some information to the blog so everyone can understand some concepts.
Most DNA tests cover Y chromosome (paternal) and mitochondrial DNA tests (maternal). Y chromosome tests cover the male line going back and can be used to test surnames. Mitochondrial (mtdna) tests cover femals lines going back, so the test cover's the mother's, mother, mother, mother, mother, etc.
DNA testing is compared to common DNA threads found through out the world. There are many different labs and DNA studies that are continuous and ongoing. For more information about DNA and genealogy please visit the International Genetic Genealogy Society webpage at http://www.isogg.org/.
In additon, you can search for surnames projects for relatives that have already completed testing. For Y DNA surnames check http://www.ysearch.org/. For mitochondrial DNA, look at http://www.mitosearch.org/.
Below is an interesting video about Chris Haley (nephew of Alex Haley of ROOTS fame) and a Y chromosome DNA test.
No comments:
Post a Comment