How Does DNA Testing Work?
How Does DNA testing work? A genealogical DNA test examines the nucleotides at specific locations on a person's DNA for genetic genealogy purposes. The test results are meant to have no informative medical value and do not determine specific genetic diseases or disorders (see possible exceptions in Medical information below); they are intended only to give genealogical information. Genealogical DNA tests generally involve comparing the results of living individuals as opposed to obtaining samples from deceased people.
In simple terms, a DNA test for genealogy can help you figure out not only who you came from, but where you came from. There are similarities between family that are uncanny in the world of genetics. Y-chromosomes are passed down from father to son. When reading DNA results of the Y-chromosome, you would notice that you match either exactly or almost exactly with your father and brothers. You will match with your dad's father, his father, and so on. This is why you may match with other's all around the world, depending on whether they came from the same great-great-great grandparent.
Now we know they can match up men, and on the father's side, but what about the females in the family? A person's maternal ancestry can be traced using his or her mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The DNA in the human mitochondria is passed down by the mother unchanged.
The technology is getting better everyday, though finding DNA matches on other sides of the family takes more creativity. For example, what about your mother's father? With this, you simply would need a DNA test on a male that fits the Y-chromosome like an uncle on that side of the family. To find out more about how DNA testing works, go here!
How does DNA testing
work? at Ancestry.com
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