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Posts Tagged ‘Y chromosome’

DNA Genealogy is basically another term for DNA testing. Usually DNA testing is done for catching criminals and solving other kidnapping cases. But, Genealogy DNA is used to find out what the possible relationship is of one person with another or for finding the ancestors.

The first Genealogy study was conducted in 1980s at the University of California, Berkeley. The scientists involved in this discovery are Rebecca L. Cann, Mark Stoneking and Allan C. Wilson. They discovered a new type of DNA named mitochondrial DNA which is present in the cell. It is passed on from mother to her child. The other DNA, Y chromosome, is

present in the nucleus of the cell is passed on from father to son.

These are the two type of DNA which mostly tells about our ancestors. It also tells about the tribes and the place of origin of our maternal and paternal lines. Scientists have studied a lot about evolution and have now concluded that we all came from one common ancestor called Adam and Eve. No doubt, there were other men and women also but it was only Adam and Eve who survived.

DNA Genealogy has helped a lot in solving different things. It is an interesting topic for scientists. They do new researches like finding out the people related to the famous personalities like George Washington, Julius Caesar or Genghis Khan. Scientists have produced human archeological record. Doctors have found DNA Genealogy useful for finding hereditary diseases and cure. DNA testing has a strong ability to reunite the families as it is 100% accurate and without any duplication. The best part is that it is helping in reduction of criminals in the society by solving maximum criminal cases.

To cut the long story short, I just want to say that DNA Genealogy which is related to DNA testing is the biggest discovery ever made in the field of medical science.

With DNA testing for ancestry, the field of Genealogy has more tools than ever to discover your family tree.  No longer is there the need to dig deep into historical records and family history, although there will still be plenty of this fun stuff to do.  A simple DNA test can start you on the road to discovering your ancestors from 10,000 years ago.

Men and women can both test their DNA to learn the origin of their maternal ancestry.  A specific kind of test called mtDNA or mitochondrial DNA, searches only the women along the line, no men.  Women and men both receive their mtDNA from their mother.

Men can learn the origin of their paternal line by testing their Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome test checks only the paternal line. Women do not have Y DNA and cannot be tested for their paternal line.  If they want to know their paternal ancestry they must ask a brother or their father to be tested.

Once the DNA sample is taken, genealogists will determine your haplogroup.  This is a set of a people with a common ancestor, often from 10,000 to 150,000 years ago, the time when humans evolved in Africa and then migrated around the world.  Men have both a paternal and maternal haplogroup; women have only the maternal haplogroup because they bear only X chromosomes while men have an X and a Y.

A fascinating result of the DNA test is to see where your ancient family members migrated across the globe.  You’ll see how mutations in early genetic lines affect your family too.   You’ll learn all the genetic influences in your ancient family tree.  You may have Asian influence you don’t know about or you may be related to Napolean or a U.S. President.   DNA testing for ancestry will provide knowledge about your unique family history you never thought possible.

Your ancestry by DNA is available with a few hundred dollars, four weeks and a simple cheek swab.  Finding ancestors via a genetic highway to the past is the most exciting breakthrough in the field of genetic research in decades.

The process begins with a kit from a laboratory that tests DNA and establishes a database for comparison.  The kit includes a plastic scraper which painlessly scrapes off loose cells in the lining of the check called buccal cells.  These cells contain the building blocks of life called DNA.

It only takes a few seconds and does not break the skin or cause any pain.  You place the sample into the tube that is provided in your kit and you send it to the pre-addressed envelope.

When the lab brings in the sample, workers will separate your cells from the plastic swab by use of unique buffers to suspend the cells in a sterile liquid.  In a series of washes the cells are purified and isolated further through a high speed spinning process called centrifugation.    This step occurs several times to create a pure DNA sample, separate from all other matter in the liquid transport.

The next step in the process is called “lysis” in which cells are heated to such a degree that the cell membrane breaks open.  Once the cell is breached the DNA leaches into the solution.  This is when the matching with other individuals occurs.

In a process called PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, DNA strands get separated, are combined with primers specific to each Y-chromosome and are annealed or stuck to the DNA strands.  Over the course of several repetitions, another chemical process takes place that amplifies Y-chromosome markers of interest to the researchers.

From here scientists can unlock the mysteries of ancestry by DNA and “unite” you with your ancestors in just a matter of hours.

Update: News from Family Tree DNA explains how now you may locate other family members in your family tree from internal branches, not just your direct paternal or maternal lines. It is explained in the following video at: Family Finder