Genetic geneticists use DNA tests to solve family history questions and resolve cold cases. They utilize autosomal, Y mitochondrial (mtDNA) tests.
MtDNA is present in mitochondria in cells. Females are the only ones able to pass on the DNA onto their children. YDNA is handed down to males via their fathers.
Role of DNA in Ancestral Roots
In its most typical version, genetic genealogy refers to individuals testing their DNA and carrying out traditional genealogical research in order in search of lost family members. It’s become increasingly popular recently due to technological advancements in DNA testing as well as the accessibility of test at-home kits.
Utilizing publicly accessible DNA databases that are publicly accessible, crime scene DNA from an unknown suspect can be uploaded, and checked against other profiles. If there is a match this will show which family tree that person belongs to based on their shared DNA.
This type of forensic DNA testing has proven successful in identifying many unidentified murders, rapes and other crimes of violence. The test is also used to identify missing people as well as bring closure to family members.
Genetic Genealogy and DNA Testing
Genetic genealogy, which integrates DNA analysis and traditional studies in genealogy and history, helps break down the bricks for researchers conducting genealogy research on their family. For forensic investigators the software can be used to find missing people and resolve the mysteries of cold cases.
The forensic applications of genetic genealogy grew out of the demand for direct-to-consumer DNA tests which took off about a decade ago. companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry allowed customers to inject their saliva into tubes in order to obtain information on their ethnicity, health risks as well as family connections.
The same technology can be used in a forensic context to match the DNA of crime scenes with profiles in public databases, such as GEDmatch. Close genetic matches will give a good starting point to investigators in the process of constructing your family tree.
Y DNA and Paternal Genealogy
Men are born with a different DNA structure than women. Y-DNA testing can reveal their paternal direct lineage that dates back hundreds, or perhaps thousands of years. Y-DNA tests look at various repeated sequences, also known as STR markers on the Y the chromosome. The markers are specific for each male, and may be used in surname or project on geography to evaluate others. Periodically (harmless) mutations can also help define particular branches.
Because only genetic males have the Y chromosome, genetic males are the only ones who can perform a YDNA test. Women who want to discover their paternal lineage can sponsor their father, aunt or uncle paternal to undergo a Y-DNA xet nghiem adn tai ha noi test. Some of the businesses that provide Y-DNA testing include the Family Finder feature in their results. This feature allows you to connect you with living relatives who are part of your paternal haplogroup.
mtDNA in Maternal Ancestry
Maternal lineage DNA that is analysed by mtDNA tests, can reveal female family connections which aren’t found using paternal testing or other autosomal DNA tests. The mtDNA of living people doesn’t change, so tests using mtDNA provide precise genetic markers that can trace the maternal lineage.
In the past, scientists believed that mtDNA transfer occurred to daughters through processes within egg cells which in turn engulfed paternal mitochondria once sperm entered the egg. It is now thought that mtDNA may actually be transferred through the mother-daughter bond even without a penetration event.
A number of companies offer mtDNA tests. For instance, 23andMe and others test only HVR1 and HVR2 regions of mtDNA, other companies, like Family Tree DNA, test for the whole sequence of mtDNA and provide cousin matching. These tests may help identify your haplogroup’s maternal origin and identify the general areas of the globe from which your ancestors originated.
Autosomal DNA Testing for Family Connections
DNA tests can assist an individual discover his or her genetic connections to several ancestral communities. Autosomal DNA tests can identify potential relatives either on the paternal or maternal side of the family tree.
Apart from locating distant ancestors In addition, these tests may provide insight into the geographic region where your ancestors originated. These regions are determined by the frequencies of specific DNA mutations found in populations of reference across the globe.
A different popular use of DNA testing is to discover undetected human remains. Investigators collect DNA from samples of crime scenes and compare it to publicly available DNA databases like GEDmatch. An accurate match may assist investigators to construct an ancestral tree, and also identify the individual suspect. The analysis of the themes revealed that participants’ notions of identity were often challenged by unexpected DNA test results. In particular, the discovery of biological kinship has led to reconsideration of gender, racial and family-based identities.
