Testing DNA for Genealogy Purposes
August 27th, 2010
DNA testing is an absolutely amazing branch of science that is being increasingly used by genealogists. The science of DNA has the ability to link families together. DNA testing can solve genealogical problems that were otherwise rendered unsolvable. DNA for genealogy is a matter of great excitement among people but before it is tried, it is important to understand what it can and cannot reveal. The most important thing about DNA for genealogy is to determine what one hopes to learn from it. In some cases, testing just one person is enough while in others it may be necessary to test more than one person. This article will reveal what DNA for genealogy testing can do for you.
It is very possible that one may have relatives who have not been documented in the database as of yet. In fact, it is probable. DNA for genealogy testing will have you match your DNA with that of other people’s. This may reveal new ancestors and relatives which you were not aware of. The Y-chromosome test and the Mitochondrial DNA sequencing are two primary tests used usually for the purpose. The first test examines the DNA of the male line while the second one examines the female line. Both tests are extremely helpful but the Y-chromosome test has more proof for establishing its genealogical purposes.
DNA for genealogy can also be used to prove relationships. For persons who think that two people are somehow related to your family line, but you have not been able to find any documentation to prove it, DNA testing may help you. If the right two people are tested, it may reveal that they are closely related in the family line. In case there’s a mismatch, it will reveal that they are not. If a Y-chromosome test is done, and the results match exactly, it means that the two people tested are related within 4 – 5 generations. If the ancestral signature reveals that one or two markers are different, it will mean that the two people, though related, may be only distantly so. The Mitochondrial DNA test will reveal whether two people are related or not, but you won’t find out the exact number of generations that separates them.
Sometimes you may be curious to find out whether you are related to a family that shares your surname. DNA for genealogy can help you find out that as well. You can even find out whether you have any relations with a family or group of people who live in a different country from yours just because you share a surname.
DNA for genealogy testing can reveal a whole lot about you and your past. But it is important to understand that there are limitations as well. For instance, you will not be able to find out whether you have any predisposition to certain diseases from these tests. Nor will a DNA for genealogy test let you create a unique personal genetic fingerprint. But if you want to know more about your past, DNA for genealogy testing is the way to go.
