|
|
|
|
Have you ever wondered about the origins of your family or tried to create a family tree? Just a few years ago, researching your family might mean lots of legwork. You might have to visit graveyards, libraries and courthouses in several towns. Then, you'd search through records to match up names and fill in gaps. The process, while rewarding, is daunting. Science and technology have made it easier to get an idea about your origins. True genealogical research still takes work, but you might not have to travel quite as much to get the same results. Many towns have begun to make their records available online. And if that's not enough, dozens of companies now offer to examine your DNA to help you learn more about your ancestry.9 percent of the same sequence of DNA. Regional populations of humans tend to share many of the same genetic markers. By comparing your DNA to a database filled with other subjects' DNA sequences, genetic testing companies can give you an idea of where your ancestors came from.
It's important to note that the information you get from a DNA genealogy test is general and probabilistic. That means the answers are based on statistical probabilities -- they aren't hard and fast facts. While some genetic markers may be commonly found in one particular population, that doesn't mean they're unique to that people. It just means you're statistically more likely to be related to those people than other groups. If you're submitting just your own DNA, you'll get results that will tell you more about your genetic makeup. If you're male, you can perform a Y-DNA test to find out where your paternal line comes from (women lack the Y chromosome ). Men and women can perform a mitochondrial DNA (or mtDNA) test to learn about where their maternal line comes from. You can even determine if you're related to someone specific if you're able to submit DNA samples from you and the other person. As companies build out their databases, they uncover more information about human populations.
In fact, your DNA haplogroup -- the genetic population you belong to -- might change. This doesn't mean your DNA changes. It just means that as we learn more about our ancestors we refine our definitions and classifications. The first thing you should do is research the company. Make sure the company has a good reputation. Each company relies on its own proprietary database of DNA information. The larger the database is, the more accurate your results will be. And a respected company is more likely to stick around long after you take your test. Some companies will even send you updated information about your results as they refine their databases. The tests themselves are simple and painless. Most involve using a type of swab. You use the swab to collect cells from the inside of your cheek. Just rub the swab against your inner cheek for about half a minute and you've collected enough of a sample to get a bead on your genetic background.
Before you order a test, you should be aware of what the results will mean to you. A DNA test can help you fill in gaps in your family tree or determine if someone with the same surname is directly related to you. But DNA tests won't give you the information you need to fill out your entire family tree. It's a useful tool but not the only one you'll be using to research your genealogical background. If you're male and want to research your paternal line, you'll need to order a Y-DNA test from a reputable company. If you're female but want to know more about your paternal line, you'll need to have a male relative perform the test for you. If you're more interested in the maternal line, you'll need to order an mtDNA test. Both males and females can perform such a test on themselves. Some companies offer different versions of the Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. Usually this means that one test uses more genetic markers than the other, giving you a more accurate glimpse at your family background.
If you're trying to find out more about your particular surname, you'll need to order a test that looks at more markers than a general ancestry test. You may find some companies offering package deals in which you can order both a Y-DNA and mtDNA test. Other DNA tests can tell you if you're related to a specific person -- both people need to take the test. Getting a test is as simple as ordering the right test kit from the company you have chosen. The company will ship the test to you. Once you take the test, you send the sample to the company for analysis. Some companies will give you the option to include your results in a special database. If other customers have results that match yours, the company can contact you and the other people to let them know of the match. A match means that you share an ancestor with the other customer, though it's impossible to determine how far back that ancestor might be from the results alone.
|
|
