How Dna Genealogy Works

Dna Genealogy is a tool for determining ancestry. DNA is passed down from one generation to the next, and during that process, certain parts remain unchanged, while others change tremendously. But the parts that remain constant are those that represent the unbreakable link between generations and it can also be of great help in reconstructing our family histories. At that point, DNA genealogy can't provide a person with his complete family tree and tell who his/her ancestors were, but what it can certainly do is the following: determine if two people are related; prove your family tree research; provide clues about a person's ethnic origin; confirm if you are related to another person; determine if two people from the same ancestor.

DNA genealogy has been around for several years, but it is only just recently that it became available to the wide audience as the cost of genetic testing has finally come down so that the average person who is interested in tracing their roots can afford it. There are even home DNA test kits which can be ordered on the Internet at a cost between $100-$400 per test. The procedure usually involves you sending a cheek swab or mouthwash to easily collect a sample of cells from the inside of your mouth. The results are send back in two weeks in the form of series of numbers that represent key chemical "markers" within your DNA. These numbers can then be compared to results from other individuals to help you determine your ancestry.

The latest trend in DNA genealogy are those genetic ancestry companies who started making money out of this. They collect DNA from people all over the world to get a feel for what marker mutations characterize different populations. When a customer sends in a DNA sample for analysis, the company tries to match that person's genetic markers with those from people elsewhere in the world. Matches suggest that the person has ancestors from that population or shares recent common ancestors with the people of that population. The idea behind the tests is simple, but not bulletproof.

Familytreedna.com is the web address of a DNA testing service. Since its inception, in April of 2000, Family Tree DNA has been associated with the Arizona Research Labs, led by Dr. Michael Hammer, one of the world's leading authorities in the field of Genetics. Having other renowned scientists on its advisory board, Family Tree DNA is the world leader and only organization in the field of Genetic Genealogy that has been constantly developing the science that enables many genealogists around the world to advance their families research.