We have gotten so far with the technologies of today when it comes to finding our heritage through DNA.
DNA was discovered
in 1859, though it wasn't until 1952 when scientists
realized DNA held our family history.
What is DNA?
Mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) for DNA Genealogy
The first type of DNA testing used for Genealogical research was the
Mitochondria DNA.
Mitochondrial is the DNA found in organelles found in the
cell nucleus. It was found by Margit M.K. and Sylvan Nass. In humans, 100-10,000
separate copies of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
This is found in every cell of every living organism. This DNA is passed
on almost completely
unchanged, with the exception of random mutations,
by the female to their
offspring of both sexes.
95% of all Europeans fall under 7 groups called "The Seven
Daughters of Eve". These 7 sisters are common maternal ancestors we fall
into.
Haplogroup U is Ursula,
Xenia is Haplogroup X,
Helena is Haplogroup H,
Velda is Haplogroup V,
Tara is Haplogroup T,
Katrine is Haplogroup K
andJasmine
is Haplogroup J. In the entire world there are at least 42 of these
common maternal ancestors though these "7 sisters" make up 95% of Europe's
population. 9 common maternal ancestors are found in Japanese
clans alone. Click here to find out more about
Mitochondrial DNA Testing.
Y Chromosome study allowed us to go
through father to son, etc.
This helps for surname research and population studies. The Y Chromosome is
passed down from father to son almost unchanged over hundreds of years. Tiny
mutations do occur, which are called markers. This means you would virtually
match with any male in your lineage.
The Y Chromosome can be pointed to
1 common ancestor about 60,000 years
ago. For lack of a better name, they call him Adam. Adam is found
near Kenya, Africa
where every human eventually links to. As migration
started, so did the mutations in DNA. All DNA migration went north of Kenya
except one group that went to western Africa. There are still tribes today in
those parts that have that mutation, everyone else took the same next step into
Europe and Asia.
You can get your DNA tested right at home and results available online.
DNA Facts
Family Tree DNA specializes in
genealogy
DNA.
Cotton swab in the cheek and your done. In fact, they are the only reputable
company that does a 67 genetic marker test! To put that in perspective,
forensic experts like the ones you see on CSI, only use
13 genetic
markers to solve murders. This means that you will have the most comprehensive
analysis done. The 67 genetic marker test is for the
Ychromosome
which is passed from father to son. Your test will match others in a
database which can also be located at Family Tree DNA to see who else has passed
the same DNA through father and son. You can compare and analyze your many
possible relations in the world.
Family Tree DNA also tests your
mitochondria DNA
(mtDNA)
which is passed from mother
to daughter. With a database at your finger tips and the resources they provide, you will learn so much about your history and your relationship to the past and
present. There are several varieties of tests
that are offered that will
assist you in opening these doors.
Family Tree DNA will let you discover where your bloodline started, and
where they wentuntil
their travels ended with
you. With many features like;
knowing your ethnic background, putting you in project groups of other people
with the same last name or from the same area to compare and analyze DNA. You
can include your family tree and match with family you never knew existed. There
is so much more to this journey into your past.
"I found out so much about my family history and heritage
when I got involved with Family Tree DNA. The information you learn is endless
and I am proud to be apart of this new technology - I love DNA Genealogy"
-Gary Jamieson
Ultimately, we are pioneers of this new technology
called DNA Genealogy. With genetic comparisons we can now determine whether someone is or is not closely related. DNA is the genetic instructions for all of us.
How Does DNA Testing Work?
You have a feel for what DNA can do for your Genealogy research.
How do we get our own genealogy DNA testing done? Fortunately, it doesn't involve needles and a long wait at a lab.
DNA Home Kit Testing
If you are interested in finding your history this way, you need to understand the things you can find and the
DNA Testing Accuracy.
And get your test done now from
Ancestry.com
DNA Ancestry
A list of the reputable Genealogical
DNA Testing Sites all in one place to help you find the right service.
Everyday we are learning more of our history and ourselves through DNA
Genealogy. Technology is exceeding so fast in this department, combined with the technology of computers, we may get a very good grasp of where we were and when we got there. To find out more of DNA technology take a peek at some
DNA Technology Articles.
DNA Genealogy is even helping the animal kingdom. Find out the benefits and rewards of DNA testing for dogs.
Dog DNA Testing
This is extremely new and valuable technology for dog lovers.