About DNA testing
DNA testing can provide you with answers to a number of questions, such as proving a connection between individuals via a common ancestor, linking you to another branch of your family with a common surname, or even assessing your ethnic background. There are two main types of testing that can be undertaken - mitochrondrial DNA (mtDNA) passed down the maternal side of the family to both boys and girls (but only carried on through the female line) and useful for testing the general relatedness of individuals to one another; and Y chromosone DNA (Y DNA) passed from father to son in a distinctive pattern, and used to work out the level of relatedness through a common male ancestor. DNA testing can also be used in comparison with sample groups to determine a connection with a specific ethnic group.
'The more markers that are tested, the more accurate a match you are likely to obtain ...'
In general, DNA test results make little sense on their own - they need to be viewed alongside either another individual to work out the Most Recent Common Ancestor, or against a group sample so you can see how you fit into the overall pattern. Many DNA sample databases are beginning to appear online, whilst companies that provide information on matches within their own records, subject to permission being obtained first.
Y DNA testing works by providing a list of markers (or loci) concerning your DNA sample. These can be compared to other samples from your family to determine how closely you share a common ancestor. The more markers that are tested, the more accurate a match you are likely to obtain, in terms of determining how many generations back the common ancestor is likely to be. In comparison, mtDNA tests examine regions on your maternal DNA and uses them to work out your halpogroup, which can be used to provide a breakdown of your own ethnic background, as well as general relatedness to distant ancestors - which can be interesting if you are looking to prove a connection to a branch of your family which shares a common surname.
Published: 2006-09-14
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