Is Genetic Genealogy Testing Worth the Money?
Genetic genealogy testing uses markers on a person's DNA to determine relationships and occasionally ethnic origins.
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MtDNA Tests
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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.
Y-Line Tests
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Another test, called the Y-line, uses the male Y chromosome to determine relationship between two males, usually of the same surname.
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Benefits
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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.
Misconceptions
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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.
Procedure and Costs
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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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References
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