Ancestry DNA Tests

Genealogy is a one of America's biggest hobbies. People are very curious about their heritage and spend countless hours researching where their ancestors originated from. Over the years technology has aided in this search; the most recent advance is the use of DNA tests to help determine the origin of ones' ancestors. 

Now, a simple swab of the inside of one’s cheek can yield DNA which will be compared with other’s DNA to help give a larger picture of one's heritage.

Two types of DNA testing involve Y chromosome testing (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA testing. The Y–DNA tests look at paternal lineage while the mitochondrial DNA looks at maternal lineage. While mitochondrial DNA is passed down by both males and females, Y-DNA is only found in males. Testing the Y-chromosome and the mitochondrial DNA can be pretty reliable as they rarely mutate, making them consistent over time.

• Such tests can be used to determine such things as:
• which present-day African country you share your ancestry
• which European maternal clan you share ancestry
• and your percentage of Native American ancestry

Today, DNA is adding to the genealogical search quite a bit. Those who are studying genealogy are finding that this is a great way to actually learn about your past. For example, by taking two people who share a potential common ancestor, tests can help to place where people are in the scope of ancestry.

How to Discover Your Genetic Genealogy

You can find out about your genetic genealogy by submitting your cheek swab to one of several different DNA testing companies and having your results compared to the samples in their databases. Leading companies include Family Tree DNA, GeneTree and Ancestry.com. Before using any one company, there are some things you might want to consider:

1. The size of the database. Yes, here size really matters, since you're having your results compared to other testers to see if you match a common ancestor. The higher the number of testers in their databases, the better your results will be.

2. Large variety of tests. In addition to the size of the database, you want a company which offers a larger variety of tests for different markers, and combinations.

3. Does the company do SNP testing? SNP testing allows you to determine your haplogroup. A haplogroup is a group of similar haplotypes that share a common ancestor with an SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) mutation. Yes, it sounds weird. Simply put, when there are mutations, a new branch forms. So, you're just seeing which branches you share commonality with.

4. How easy is it to contact the company and what is their customer service like?

Participate in Genetic DNA Studies

Another way to learn more about your genetic genealogy is to participate in genetic genealogy projects. One such project is The Genographic Project, a five-year research partnership led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Spencer Wells.

For $99 you can purchase a test kit, swab the inside of your cheek and submit it to their lab. They will run one test (either mitochondrial DNA or Y-DNA), which will reveal your deep ancestry along a single line of direct descent (maternal or paternal) and show the migration paths they followed thousands of years ago. Your results will also be placed on a particular branch of the human family tree. You can then choose to contribute your results to the study. You can find more information on The Genographic Project by going to their website at: https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com

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