How to Use DNA to Research Your Family Genealogy

DNA Genealogy

In trying to pinpoint disease genes, scientists employed "pedigrees" to identify people in families with a particular disease. By sorting through genealogy, they could identify relevant DNA. Reverse the equation: By looking at a person's DNA, gaps concerning ancestry may be filled. Genealogists recognized that these genetic tools can complement other methods---paper records---used to establish or negate family links. DNA typing won't resolve all family tree questions, but it may guide people in the right direction.

Instructions

Things You Need to Do

1. Pose the question. Is there a gap in the family tree? Is a family myth concerning a particular ancestor true or not? Is there a lack of information concerning deep ancestry? In order for the DNA test results to be meaningful, the question needs to be specific and clear.

2. Determine the appropriate person's DNA to test. Since women don't possess the Y-chromosome, they can only test their mitochondrial DNA (maternal or mtDNA). In order for females to explore paternal lineage, a male relative (e.g., brother, father) can take the Y-chromosomal lineage tests. Men possess both Y-chromosome and mtDNA; they can choose to take either test for information on direct maternal or paternal lines. A third kind of test can help to establish BioGeographical Ancestry (BGA) or the biological or genetic component of race---that is, a description of the ancestral origins in terms of major population groups such as European, East Asian, sub-Saharan African, etc.

3. Select a genetic typing company. Several companies---Oxford Ancestors (http://www.oxfordancestors.com/) , Family Tree DNA (http://www.familytreedna.com/), and AncestrybyDNA (http://www.ancestrybydna.com/)--offer DNA tests online for prices ranging from $100 to $400. The Genographic Project led by National Geographic (https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/) only charges $99; however, it only provides information on deep ancestry.

4. Take the test and submit for analysis. The DNA test kit should arrive via the mail. Designed for one individual's use, the kit usually contains cheek scrapers, swabs and collection tubes. A release form will be required. It usually takes four to six weeks to process the DNA sample.

5. Interpret the results of the test. DNA typing companies provide booklets to help interpret results. Typically the test will reveal haplogroup---i.e., population of people who share common markers in their DNA and is associated with a geographical/historical point of origin---on either the maternal and/or paternal side. To generate more accurate results, a person needs only to increase the number of DNA markers to be tested. The 44 marker test is considered the most powerful in the industry.

Tips & Warnings

• For many of the DNA typing companies, consumers can consent to having their DNA stored for future testing with the assurance that their identities will be protected.

• Some companies host surname projects formed by members with the same or similar surname and are using Y-DNA testing to discover links to family groups.

• During the actual data collection or the interpretation, mistakes do happen. Contact the DNA typing company to review discrepancies should they arise.

• According to Peter Underhill, a senior research scientist at Stanford University, "As far as mixing science and capitalism goes as in fee-for-services testing, it is a 'let the buyer beware' marketplace."

References

• Genetic genealogy goes global. Although useful in investigating ancestry, the application of genetics to traditional genealogy could be abused
• Genealogy Learning Centre
• Blair DNA Project

Resources

• The Science and Business of Genetic Ancestry Testing
• The Legitimacy of Genetic Ancestry Tests