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The term DNA genealogy testing is a familiar one that we hear quite often. Whether it is while watching CSI on TV or reading the latest genealogy newsletter, DNA testing is constantly being brought to our attention. But how many of us understand exactly what DNA genealogy testing is and how it applies to DNA ancestry? Many of us have a basic understanding of what is involved - it has something to do with our genes right? But there is more involved than simply the analysis of our genes. Let's take a deeper look into this constantly developing science, and learn a bit more about DNA genealogy testing.
The key to understanding the value of DNA genealogy testing lies in simplifying the concept. First of all it is critical to note that DNA testing does not yet possess any type of medical value nor is it currently able to determine a person's vulnerability to particular diseases or genetic disorders. It is able however to provide a wealth of genealogical data that can provide clues to one's ancestry. DNA genealogy testing can show you where your surname and even your core family group originated, and even determine where your family has migrated over the years.
This is done by comparing the results of your DNA genealogy testing to those of historic populations. Our genes contain data about our ancestors as well as ourselves, and that data can prove a useful resource when no other conventional records exist. Basically DNA genealogy testing examines the differences and similarities in the DNA sequences of different peoples, and can thus indicate the chance of two people being related. If you have reached a dead end in your genealogical research and traditional records have proved to be fruitless, there is a good chance that DNA genealogy testing can lead you past that dead end.
Various types of DNA ancestry tests exist in today's market; the most popular being the Maternal (Mitochondrial DNA) and Paternal (Y chromosome) tests. Mitochondrial DNA genealogy testing involves comparing DNA samples linked to your mother's side of the family, while the Paternal Y chromosome test looks for links on your father's side. There is a third type of DNA genealogy testing known as Autosomal DNA testing which compares relationships on both sides, but this is less commonly used by genealogists.
The DNA genealogy testing procedure usually involves contacting a laboratory which will send you a DNA genealogy testing kit. The kit will generally contain a swab which you use to gather DNA from the inside of your cheek, place it in a sealed container, and send it back to the lab for testing. It is a simple, painless procedure that can cost anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the type of DNA genealogy testing you opt for and the company providing the service. Results are usually available within a two to six week period, and some labs provide a service to store your DNA for future research.
DNA sequences experience change over the years, and these changes occur in what is known as a single nucleotide. These changes are very subtle from generation to generation, and consequently it is easier to compare similarities in DNA between generations. Laboratories assign a number to the important nucleotides which identify the order of examination, accompanied by a letter code identifying the lab that did the DNA genealogy testing. You will also be given information that will indicate which major population group you belong to, where your ancestors originated, and where they have ended up. The lab carrying out your DNA genealogy testing will send you information on how to decipher the results of your test.