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Posts Tagged ‘haplogroup’

The most common ancestry DNA test is the Y-DNA and the mtDNA test.  Using the genetic information in these tests, you can answer questions about your long-ago history that your grandparents and historical documents can’t provide.

There are 100 labs worldwide that collect DNA material for genetic testing. All tests are basically the same.  They require a swab of the inside of your cheek and use it to establish a database of comparison.

The Y-DNA test will establish the direct line ancestry of your father since only males have a Y chromosome.  It passes unchanged from father to son and beyond.   Laboratories compare the analysis of samples among men and to find out how far back they must go to discover a common ancestor.   That is how families learn who among those with the same surname are related to them.   In fact, some families have ongoing surname projects where various family members submit Y-DNA samples to discover other people with the same surname who are indeed related.

Woman do not have Y chromosomes so their X chromosomes are reliable only in determining their mother’s maternal ancestral line.  Women who wish to know more about their paternal ancestry must request cooperation for a sample from their father, uncle, brother, paternal grandfather or cousin who shares the same surname as the father.

Once in the lab, workers look for various markers along the Y-DNA strand.  The more markers, the more accurate the results of one’s ancestry.  The Genographic Project is looking at 12 markers; however surname projects and most laboratories look for 25 markers or more.

Once the markers are compared, workers can suggest a haplogroup, or genetic population.  Haplogroups are ancient clans that migrated across the globe from Africa.

Genetic testing can determine what percentage of a person is European, Asian, Native American or Sub-Saharan African, making an ancestry DNA test the most revealing test one can take.

Scientists turn to genealogical DNA tests to answer intriguing questions about ancestry.  What was once science fiction is now available to families around the world who seek information about their deep ancestral roots.

How do you know which test is right for you?  Here are some options to help you narrow your choice.

For men, the common male ancestor test will reveal analysis of 24 markers that get passed through generations of men in the same family.  The 24 are selected because they are identical for the past 20 generations or so.   An average generation is considered to be 25 years.

If your test results are identical to another man’s test results, the two of you share a common male ancestor.   You may find you are linked to a specific ethnic group you didn’t realize or you may share a surname with other people who are related to you.  Once you compare notes with them, both groups may find other, more distant relatives.

The common female ancestor test is offered to both men and women because both genders share an X chromosome.  There are 33 primary female clans in the world and most are specific to a particular continent.  Once the clan, or haplogroup is identified, then regions within the continent can be narrowed down.  For example, Europeans are all descended from seven maternal clans.  Your makers may group you with one from Spain or from Russia.

Native American DNA tests are very active with various individuals seeking knowledge about their particular tribe.  There are four maternal clans and they are linked by language more than geography.

It is easy to order a DNA test.  You simply chose a lab online, order the test, and wait for the cheek swab.  Genealogical DNA tests are quick and painless, and within 4 to 6 weeks you’ll have a wealth of information about your deep ancestral roots.

For those of you who ask, “What does a genealogy DNA test kit look like?” Please click on the tab at the right marked: “Kerchner Files”.  These files are copyrighted and used with permission.  You will also see what DNA test results look like.

Without ancestry DNA tests, most people can only name their maternal and paternal grandparents. After that the information becomes unreliable unless great time and effort is expended to research historical records.

Science allows us to look back at our ancient family tree, to the time when humans first migrated from their early roots in Africa. To find out where your family originated, migrated and then mutated to form its own group or haplogroup, you need only take a moment to swab the inside of your cheek with a special painless device.

Genealogists today are actively gathering DNA samples to establish markers and lines of ancestry. When looking for a DNA test lab ask about the size of the database. The larger the base of knowledge, the more reliable and informative your test results will be. There are several labs that provide DNA testing; begin your search with the size of the database.

There are two kits available, the Mitochondrial or mtDNA and the Y-Chromosome. The Y chromosome passes down only through the males of a family since males have an X and a Y chromosome while females have just an X. The Y Chromosome test will determine paternal linkage, while the mtDNA will explore the mother’s line for her female and male children.

There are various DNA test kits available and depending upon the number of markers the kit looks for, the more information the result will yield, and the greater the cost for the kit. You will receive the test kit in the mail. It will house what appears to be an undersized plastic toothbrush and a sterile container to place it in for mailing it back.

Once you return the ancestry DNA tests you’ll wait 6 to 8 weeks for the results and then you are on your way to exploring the ancient roots of your family.