DNA and Genealogy

What if you could have your DNA tested at a local lab and then used to trace your family line, based on your DNA well back into history.

How can this be possible when DNA is something that is new? That today, DNA is adding to the genealogical search a bit. Those that are studying genealogy are finding that this is a great way to learn about your past. Nevertheless, how does DNA and genealogy work together?

Two types of DNA are important for genealogy purposes. The first is mitochondrial DNA that is the genetic marker passed down by everyone.

Mitochondrial DNA passed down through the maternal, or female, line. As it passed down, even through thousands of years, it changes little. Only small mutations seen in this DNA and that make it a significant role player in history research.

The other important DNA, called Y Chromosome DNA. This DNA only found in males, whereas Mitochondrial DNA found in everyone. In Y Chromosome DNA, there is only small mutations per cent overtime in the male lineage. This too makes it important for the search for family lines.

As you can imagine the need to know if you are related to someone is done by taking DNA samples of two people and comparing them. By using a genetic test, researchers can see if two people have the right DNA to be related based on two types we have mentioned.

This is an ideal method of matching people today with their descendants from the past. For example, by taking two people that share a potential common ancestor, tests can help to place where people are in the scope of ancestry.

One study that you may want to look into, then, is that of the Molecular Genealogy Research Project. The MGRP is a database collection of information that is taking genealogical information and genetic data and working to place people throughout the world.

The goal of this project is to show everyone is related to everyone else, and then to define just how closely they are related. By taking blood samples and pedigree charts that he had collected, Mr. James L Sorenson, the founder of the project, began to learn how closely related people were.

By comparing, the data of those that would give blood samples, this project showed that people in fact related, though distantly, through generations. You can learn more about this project, and even engage in it by visiting their website.

Another project is that of The Geographic Project. This project is one that used genetic methods to trace the human patterns of migration and then to discover the biogeographically and ethnic origin. In this project, the results help to place people in various ancestral groups even through some ancient times. It can help to tell you where your ancient ancestors may have lived and experienced.

DNA is an ideal tool to use in discovering the relation of people. In our search for answers about your own family, though, it may be harder to see how DNA can play a role. Nevertheless, it is one of the most promising research methods available and one that will see improvements overtime. These methods of understanding ancestry and genealogy are good places to start. They are tools that could be effective at helping to answer some of your own questions. However, by far they are not all that you can get into.