Ancestry DNA Testing : Are They Accurate and Reliable?
submitted: Aug 24th 2008 |
by: RayLam |
Total views: 1 |
Word Count: 380 |
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DNA testing has become something our society relies on very heavily for identification purposes. Everyone has different DNA so it is a unique way to identify an individual. It is the equivalent of a signature only in a genetic form that can't be altered or hidden. One of the most common uses of DNA testing is to track down criminals who have left hair, skin, or semen at the scene of a crime.
Adopted individuals often wonder about their actual ancestry. They are curious about their ancestral heritage. Several people in the US wonder if they are Native Americans or Africans or Asians. All these queries regarding ancestry can be solved with the help of DNA testing.
DNA research worldwide led to the discovery of genetic markers that are used to evaluate ancestry. These markers follow three types of inheritance pattern categories. These are autosomal DNA line, the paternal DNA line and maternal DNA line. The autosomal DNA line is made of all DNA in the cells excluding the X - chromosome, Y - chromosome and mtDNA.
A person inherits half of autosomal DNA from the biological mother and the other half from the biological father. The Y chromosome markers are paternally related and passed from a father to his son. They are used to trace a person's paternal ancestry. Mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA are maternally related markers and are passed from a mother to her children. They are useful in tracing a person's maternal ancestry.
Various DNA companies provide home testing kits that can be used to collect the DNA sample at home and send them to a laboratory for analysis. DNA testing requires a few drops of blood or a cheek cells specimen collected by rubbing the inside of the mouth with a cotton swab. Some laboratories also use a mouthwash or chewing gum for analysis. The results are fast, reliable and confidential.
Although the ancestry DNA testing is not a new invention, it has become popular recently. The main reason is that it is now within many peoples financial reach. Also, it has become more easily available in the market making people aware about it. It plays an important role in tracking down ones roots. You can also perform the test at your own home with the help of home DNA kits.
About the Author
Learn more about Free DNA Paternity Test by visiting http://dna-testing-tips.info, a popular website that provides free dna testing tips,advice and resources.
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