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DNA
is a molecule found in chromosomes in our cells. It contains the
information needed to create a new person.
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There
are three basic types of DNA of interest for genealogy:
Autosomal DNA, Mitochondrial DNA, and Y-Chromosome DNA. Texas
State Genealogy is only concerned with Y-Chromosome DNA.
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Only
men have Y-Chromosome DNA, which is passed down from fathers to their
sons and to their sons ... .
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If
two men descend from a common male ancestor, they will both have
almost the same Y-Chromosome DNA.
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Every
time Y-Chromosome DNA is inherited from one's father, there is a
slight chance of a "copy error."
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The
further back in time two males shared a common ancestor, the more
chances a "copy error" occurred.
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DNA
is like fingerprinting. There are "points" of
identification. These points are called "markers."
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By
comparing the marker values of two males, we get an idea of how
closely related they are related.
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The
more markers we test, the more points of identification we have to
compare.
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DNA
testing consists of a swab from the inside of the mouth. It is
done at home and is perfectly painless.
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The
sample is mailed to a testing lab where it is analyzed. The
results take 6-8 weeks to come back.
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A
12-marker DNA test provides enough points of identification to see if
two males are connected. The cost is $99.
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A
25 marker DNA test can help sort males into separate family tree
branches. The cost is $169
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A
37 marker DNA test provides the best resolution of connections within
family branches. The cost is $229.
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DNA
results also correspond to haplogroups. Haplogroups represent a
common set of markers. Haplogroups are associated with
geographical regions of the world, and give clues to one's deep
ancestral origins.
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Surname projects let folks with common surnames share results. See the Little DNA Project for an example.
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See
also http://www.kerchner.com/dna-information.htm
for more links and information.
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Contact us at
txgenweb@yahoo.com
to sign up for DNA testing.