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Fact Sheet

Is Genetic Genealogy Testing Worth the Money?

Contributor
By Comstone Cavella
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Is Genetic Genealogy Testing Worth the Money?
Is Genetic Genealogy Testing Worth the Money?
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Genetic genealogy testing uses markers on a person's DNA to determine relationships and occasionally ethnic origins.

From Quick Guide: Genetic Testing Guide

    MtDNA Tests

  1. Two types of genetic testing are available. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), passed by mother to child without mixing, traces the maternal genealogical line and shows a shared maternal ancestor.
  2. Y-Line Tests

  3. Another test, called the Y-line, uses the male Y chromosome to determine relationship between two males, usually of the same surname.
  4. Benefits

  5. Genetic testing can demonstrate a relationship but not cannot identify its degree. Testing also demonstrates probable ethnic heritage, meaning that these tests can show that your ancestors came from a particular geographic area of the world.
  6. Misconceptions

  7. Genetic genealogical testing cannot tell you who your great-great-grandfather was or if you are a descendant of Charlemagne. Therefore, those people doing historical genealogy find the tests of limited use and instead rely on the use of documents.
  8. Procedure and Costs

  9. Increasingly popular and common home genetic tests are available at reasonable cost, from $100 to $400. A kit is mailed to you and a mouth swab is taken, sealed in a container and returned to the lab. Within a few weeks, a report of your mDNA or Y-line test is returned to you.
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