Dna Testing

Over the last few years there has been increased interest in DNA testing. But what just what is it and how can you benefit from it?

DNA testing is important for genealogical purposes. The test results do not have medical value nor does it justify specific genetic diseases or disorders. The acronym DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. This acid can be found in the nucleus of cells as well as in the mitochondria. The nucleus encompasses most of the DNA. It is actually termed nuclear DNA. Respectfully, the remaining small amount in the mitochondria is referred to as mitochondrial DNA.

DNA is unique in that it has the ability to make copies of itself or replicate. The sequence is duplicated by the strands of DNA that serves as a specific pattern that identifies its markers. More importantly, the sequence specifies the exact genetic instructions required to create a particular organism with its own unique traits. Additionally, new cells must have an exact copy of the DNA from the old cell.

During a DNA test, the information gathered within the DNA is stored as codes which consist of four chemical bases. The bases are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The sequence or order of these bases is required to determine the information available in order to build and maintain an organism. There are different DNA test and they are used for different purposes. This is why it is imperative that the results from various tests are understood so that the correct test is ordered for your purpose.

DNA Testing

The Y- chromosome (Y-DNA) and the Mitochondria DNA (mitDNA) are the major types of DNA testing. An additional DNA test involves surname projects. The tests that are more recognized and most often used by family historians are the Y- chromosome which identifies the male lines and the Mitochondrial to identify the female lines. It is not unusual for these tests to determine close relationships such as paternity, maternity, forensic, grand parentage, reconstruction (close relatives), siblingship or twin zygosity.

The Y- chromosome DNA testing informs us about a male, his ancestors and his relatives. Initially, it provides information that determines if two or more men share the same common male ancestor. Second, it reveals the particular haplogroup that the man belongs to. In order to learn the distant origins of a person's direct maternal line, the Mitochondrial DNA is used. It is employed to identify mother to child relationships. However, the Mitochondrial DNA testing cannot determine the relationship in the recent past.

Furthermore, because DNA is unreliable standing alone, it is a necessity that it is compared to other DNA. For example, during a forensic DNA study, a laboratory needs to compare the DNA of blood from a crime scene against the DNA of a crime suspect. Unlike the forensic DNA study, genealogical DNA testing requires one person in order to compare the DNA against one or more other people to determine a match. Surname projects were developed on the internet in which individuals posted their DNA results to a common forum. This is created to facilitate the comparison of the DNA for different people.

Obtaining a DNA Test

Deoxyribonucleic Acid has quickly become an important part of the study of genealogy. However, DNA is ineffective when used alone, especially for genealogical purposes. Yet, if it is combined with two traditional sources from history research- oral history and recorded documents, it will reveal significant results.

Taking a genealogical DNA test requires thorough, but basic procedures. It involves applying a painless cheek- scraping (also referred to as buccal swab) at home and mailing the sample to a carefully chosen genetic genealogy laboratory. Mouth wash or chewing gum is also used by some laboratories. The labs may store the DNA samples for future testing unless unauthorized by customer.

When selecting a lab to start your testing, try to obtain one that deals exclusively in genetic testing of relationship or "genetic genealogy." More over, you should also consider the price to implement such procedures. The prices may range between $200- $300.

Lastly, DNA testing is significant in that it replaces paper trail. You might find that considering DNA testing will help discover that you are a part of a unique group of people that share the same or similar surname.

Conclusion

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is used for Y- chromosome (Y- DNA) and Mitochondria DNA (mitDNA) DNA testing. Scientist are able to use these regions to generate a DNA profile of an individual using samples of blood, bone, hair and other body tissues and products. It is also highly efficient for crime scene investigations. Specifically, samples from the crime- scene evidence and a suspect, extracting the DNA, and analyzing it for the presence of exact DNA markers. It is extremely important to realize that the results of a DNA test are specific and limited to its purpose.

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