Roger Mitchell asked:




There are many ways to find your family heritage through genealogy. Relative genetics is the most common way. This performs a series of tests on DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in different categories.

1. Paternal Line or Ycs Testing. The Y chromosomal DNA (Ycs) is utilized in establishing the haplotype (genetic profile) of the ancestors who are already dead. The father passed the Ycs through his son largely unchanged. The inheritance pattern of Ycs is similar to passing the surnames common to most cultures. Discovering clues within the paternal lineage becomes quiet easy using the Ycs. This is an incredible tool powerful in helping genealogists to trace the paternal lines.

Relative genetics have reported that between eighteen and forty three years old, different alleles (values) on specific loci (regions) of the Y chromosomal DNA are present. Every locus has undergone validation and standardization in a way that it can provide people with the greatest chances of specifying their paternal lineage. The information becomes very important to genealogist in identifying the closest relatives as well as establishing approximate time or distance to the latest common ancestor.

2. Maternal Line of mtDNA testing. This is used for disproving or supporting a relationship in the same immediate maternal line using mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA). The mother passed this type of DNA to her children but only the female children pass this down continuously from generation to generation.

The mtDNA testing is taking the benefits of a specialized DNA form passed by mothers to her biological children. So, each child virtually carries an exact mtDNA copy of their mother. Therefore, all siblings have identical sequences of mtDNA. Thus, mtDNA became an important investigative tool to research direct maternal lineage ancestry and exploring ethnic origins.

3. Ancestral Origin Testing (mtDNA, Ycs, or autosomal testing). This is useful for people who are adopted and simply curious about their ancestral heritage. It also provides prediction about the anthropological haplogroup which originates from either the maternal or paternal lines. Haplogroups refer to wide ancestral groupings which originated a thousand years ago. They also correspond to an early migration of humans having connections on the different geographic locations all over the world. Therefore, information about haplogroups can reveal a deep ancestral origin.

- Y chromosomal DNA Haplogroups. Once this is identified, you can take a glimpse on the deep paternal line ancestry. Every indigenous race of people in this world is an affiliate of a certain haplogroup.

- The mtDNA Haplogroups are subdivided in different sub-lineages, more often population or regionally specific.

4. Extended Family Testings utilize autosomal DNA. The twenty two pairs of chromosomes considered as non sex located within the cell nucleus is known as autosomal DNA. One half of the autosomal DNA comes from the father; the other one half comes from the mother. The purpose of this test is to authenticate relationships beyond simple maternity or paternity lineage.

Finally, you will never have any difficulty is tracing your family heritage. Choose one among the different genealogy testing categories that suits you best. Enjoy your research.

Deep Ancestry: Inside The Genographic Project

Jason Kay asked:




There has been an explosion of DNA tests that can be done at home and sent into the laboratory for evaluation. Tests such as paternity testing and genealogical testing are the most commonly used tests for home use. DNA testing at home is simple and cost effective; many test varieties are available.

A DNA molecule consists of a twisted spiral called a double helix. It is found as part of our genes or chromosomes, inside the nucleus of cells. Each chromosome is made of a tightly coiled strand of DNA. Both sperm and egg hold half of the chromosomes necessary to make a human embryo. It is these chromosomes that are measured when one does DNA testing at home.

An at home paternity test allows you to collect your own DNA samples at a convenient time and place. The testing company provides you with a simple DNA testing kit that contains everything you need to collect DNA samples. The kit comes with a swab for collecting samples, instructions, and a pre-paid return envelope to send samples back to the laboratory. The cost of the DNA testing kits typically range from $99 to a couple hundred dollars. In some cases, it takes only three days to receive results.

Genealogy DNA testing at home comes from a variety of companies, including National Geographic. The costs are around $100 to $125 dollars and they measure both regular DNA and mitochondrial DNA as a way of telling you where your ancestors came from. They have maps that tell you where your ancestors traveled tens of thousands of years ago out of Eastern Africa, considered the birthplace of mankind from a genealogical perspective.

Doing the DNA Testing at Home

Doing the DNA testing at home is very simple. It is often done in two parts. The steps to doing DNA tests at home are as follows:

1. Rinse your mouth with water to clean out food particles.

2. Take the swab, which is actually a brush and brush the inside of the cheeks for at least one minute.

3. Place the swab in the envelope.

4. On a different day, repeat the same steps one through three and seal the envelope.

5. Mail the envelope to the company.

6. The results can take as little as three days or as long as 6 weeks.

Some companies will accept used toothbrushes and Q tips with earwax on them for paternity or other tests that are done in secret without the individual knowing he or she is being tested.

There are many more tests that can be done with DNA testing at home. Family relationship testing can determine grand parentage and siblingship, especially when one or more parents are unavailable. Full or half siblings can be determined. Reconstructive testing can determine the father of a child by examining the other close family members and reconstructing who the father is. Maternity testing is done in cases of adoption or whenever mother and child have been separated by circumstances. Twin zygosity is done whenever it is unclear whether or not twins are identical or fraternal. DNA can be banked for further possible use in case of unexpected future events, such as if you become a missing person or are killed under foul circumstances.

DNA testing at home is a valuable resource that offers anyone wanting to know DNA relationships within their family a simple and inexpensive method to do so.

Ancestry DNA testing

Mandy Fain asked:




One question on many people's minds when they look into paternity testing is how accurate the paternity test results are. No test can ever be 100% accurate but how accurate can you expect your paternity test results to be and what should you expect from a DNA testing lab?

There are two results involved in a paternity test, the first is called exclusion. Exclusive paternity test results exclude a man from being a father of a child. This means that in the paternity test the DNA of the father did not sufficiently correspond to the DNA of the child to consider him as a prospective father. In this case the result should be 100% accurate, if a man is excluded from being a child's father there should be no way he could possibly be.

Inclusive paternity test results however are different, they refer to the likelihood that someone is the father of the child. Although no test can ever be 100% certain most paternity test results should prove at least 99%, preferably closer to 99.99% that a child is the father.

The accuracy of paternity test results depends on how many loci (or points) are tested on the DNA segments of the alleged father and child; the higher the number of loci, the greater the accuracy that can be obtained.

To get the best results from your paternity test you should choose a laboratory that tests at least 13-16 loci and that excludes fathers who show a difference in two or more DNA patterns on the loci (this is the AABB standard that is used in accredited DNA testing labs).

In conclusion, although paternity test results can never be 100% accurate you should look for at least 99% accuracy and preferably closer to 99.99%. Accuracy is obtained through testing a larger number of loci and good DNA testing labs usually test about 16.

Ancestry DNA testing

Mandy Fain asked:




A gender DNA test can reveal the gender of the fetus as well as showing paternity and genetic makeup. The procedure has been used because many feel it is a safer method than an amniocentesis as well as a CVS. This procedure is noninvasive where as an amniocentesis is invasive and can have risks, including inducing labor, fetal injury and in some cases termination of the pregnancy.

The gender DNA test requires taking blood from the mother who has fetal cells in her bloodstream. They isolate the Fetal DNA and will then determine the gender of the fetus. This is possible because the mother's bloodstream carries fetal DNA from the placenta throughout the body. In most cases, a laboratory technician and not a doctor do the taking of the blood and testing. Performing the test as early as ten weeks after conception tells the gender of the fetus, although some tests may show accurate results as early as six weeks.

There are many companies around today that offer kits by way of mail, for a do it yourself home test, which you then send the sample to their lab and have the blood sample tested. Are these companies legitimate? In most cases they are, although they all charge different prices for the test kits and the testing procedure.

The question, should you have a gender DNA test is so controversial because, it takes the thrill and joy away from the birth, which most women know through experience is the beautiful part of birth, the rest can be painful. Some people may decide to end a pregnancy if the gender turns out to be wrong for what they are hoping for at the time. This type of gender DNA testing is wrong. Terminating a healthy pregnancy because the gender is not what you want leaves many religious groups and abortion groups positively outraged.

The right to select the gender of your baby may at some point unbalance the creation of life because some cultures and some people prefer boys rather than girls. This will cause less female populations and could result in the distinction of an entire heritage. Asian cultures are top on this list as they do end the life of baby girls. This way of life will eventually delete the Asian population.

With all the information about the gender DNA test and what could result if people use it for gender selection, this topic will remain a hot issue in the future. Religious groups believe that the sex of your baby is God's will and will never change the way they believe. Abortion groups will continue to oppose this testing procedure if it is used for gender selection. I personally was happy to wait until my baby was born to find out the sex, and today I have a boy and a girl who have grown up and live wonderful lives.

The Family Tree Problem Solver: Proven Methods for Scaling the Inevitable Brick Wall

Jaimie Beckford asked:




The NBC show, Who Do You Think You Are, premiered tonight and featured Sarah Jessica Parker's quest to find answers in her family tree. This show may touch a nerve with many people who want to know more about their family history and where they come from. This show connects us all because it shows how our history can dictate how we live our lives today. When searching for answers in your family tree, use family, local, and online resources to expedite your search.

Your Family Connection
Sara Jessica Parker first asked her mom questions regarding her past. Her mom gave her pictures of her great grandparents and this gave her fuel to dig further.

Have you asked your parents, grandparents, or extended family questions regarding your past? Rather than paying for information, it may be easier to ask your closest family for answers regarding your past.

Local resources
You local library may hold clues to your past as well. Check with your library to see if they have a genealogy section that you can use for research. You may have to search old records or microfiches to see actual records from your family's past.

Online resources
With technology today, online resources allow you to use your DNA to find answers regarding your past. Using a DNA sample, you can determine where you came from and who you may be related to.

These resources may give you a partial or complete answer to your family tree. These answers can help you better understand where you came from and you can use this information to education your family!

ULTIMATE GENEALOGY CHALLENGE FINALIST Adult T-Shirt Various Colors

Lily Wrick asked:




When discovering one's ethnic and genetic make up, once the person has exhausted all sources of genealogical record searching, the last and most likely the very best resort lies in the DNA Test. It helps to be able to confirm whether or not the person is able to include the proper people into his or her family tree. DNA Tests do not determine DNA paternity. These types of tests notify a person about ancestry and genealogy information.

The tests have become easy and painless and can be done at home. The actual DNA tests supply precise information to an individual relating to the individual's family background, ethnic heritage, as well as linkups along with their past generations. These types of tests may resolve issues related to suspicions within families. In cases of individuals descending from some migratory group, the DNA test results can be miraculous in discovering their initial homeland.

Therefore there exists a very close connection between DNA Testing and Genealogy.

Genealogy is the discipline that deals with discovering the roots of an individual. The best way to know about your descent or genetic genealogy relationship is by means of DNA tests. To be able to determine your own genetic roots, DNA testing ought to be obtained by as many of your family members as you possibly can. Testing the actual family members will become significant if you are curious to trace your relations with your ancestors. The more individuals within your own group of family members tested, the greater is the possibility of success.

One of the first methods of connecting genealogy people together through DNA is by tracing your own male ancestors on your father's paternal line. This Y-DNA test will take your family name line all the way back to pre-historic records times. When someone with the same family name also takes the DNA test you will be able to see approximately back to where you both have a common ancestor.

Also with an mtDNA test your mother's mother's maternal line will be able to be discovered as far back as pre-historical times also and you will be able to discover which part of the world that your early for bearers migrated from. For several years, those were the only ways of testing which were available to researchers. Now with the recent announcement of one DNA testing company and their Family Finder database, you will be able to locate other distant cousins that relate to you through many of your family tree branches, not just the two paternal and maternal lines.

Now with Family Finder, adopted children may search for their actual parents. The families that have given up children for adoption previously may possibly find the child that was given up for adoption. Never in the past has the possibility of solving their curiosity of locating their original family connection been so achievable. These DNA tests enable people to discover all genealogical data, join them with their relatives, and know all details regarding his or her roots. We urge you to find more on this subject from resources mentioned. Some new interesting discoveries are being made every day!

How to Create Your Own Family History Video