Ancestry DNA Testing

Shows like CSI have certainly made DNA much more talked about and it has certainly increased the interest in ancestry DNA, as well as paternity DNA.

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid is used most often to establish a relationship between two people more commonly referred to as a paternity test.

But more recent tests that have become available determine ancestry through DNA. Like many things DNA is also passed down from one generation to the next. Some parts show dramatic change while others hardly any change. What this means is that there is a link between the generations that is not breakable and it can play a key role in reconstructing the history of a family.

Tracing genealogy is tough and there's no one way to trace your ancestors but ancestry DNA testing can:

• Determine if 2 individuals are related. 
• Determine if 2 individuals are descendants from the same ancestor. 
• Find out if you and others with the same surname are related. 
• Validate the research on your family tree [or disprove]. 
• Find clues on your ethnic origin.

DNA tests are not new. They've been around for many years but it's only the past few years that genetic testing has become both available and affordable to the average person. It's played an important role in tracking one's roots.

Home DNA test kits can be purchased online and range from $100 to $500 per test. Cheek swabs are the most common because they are so easy to use. You then send the sample back and it takes about a month to get your results. The anticipation can be a real rush. Rather like waiting to see if you have the winning lottery ticket.

Confused? There are 2 types of DNA for genealogy testing:

Mt-DNA test - Mitochondrial DNA is contained within the cytoplasm of a cell instead of the nucleus. This type of DNA is passed from the mother to either their boy or girl offspring with no mixing. So that DNA is the same as their mothers, and their mothers, and on down the line.

It does change but it's very slowly so that the relationship can still be identified. If two people have an exact match then they are maternal ancestors but it's hard to tell whether that relationship is a hundred years ago or last generation.

The Y Line - This test is more recent, specifically since the identification of the Y chromosome within the nuclear DNA and it is used to establish family relationships. It is only in the males and it is passed from father to son. Shared markers indicate two men are related but to what degree is not established.

These tests may be difficult to grasp for most of us but what is really important is recognizing the power that DNA has come to have over establishing bloodlines and in confirming ancestry lines. It's a powerful tool that is likely to be used a lot more in the future as the cost of ancestry DNA testing becomes more affordable by the masses.

Looking to find out more info about ancestry DNA testing, visit Genomelink.io. 

AWAKENS, Inc. (Genomelink)
2150 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94704
760544353
info@awakens.co