Issue 17.17
There are lots of choices for DNA test kits and the television commercials make it look so easy. But once you go online, you don’t know the difference between an autosomal test and a Y-DNA test or whether you are getting the best value for your money. Here are the basics you need to know to make an informed decision.
Autosomal, I used this one personally at AncestryDNA.com.
- An autosomal DNA test is the most common DNA test kit on the market currently and tests for DNA inherited from both of your parents. The test results will also include random DNA inherited from your grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.
- Autosomal tests are a good starting point for anyone who has not yet taking a DNA test.
- Autosomal tests are highly accurate when it comes to testing relationships from parent/child up to the second cousin level (2C).
- For higher level relationships (above 2C) you may need to expand the number of people tested for accurate results.
The following vendors offer autosomal DNA tests: 23andme, AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, LivingDNA (combined with mtDNA and Y-DNA), and MyHeritage DNA.
Mitochondrial
- A mitochondrial or mtDNA test traces the test subject’s maternal (mother’s) lineage.
- Mitochondrial DNA is passed down by the mother unchanged, to all children, both male and female.
- A mtDNA test can be taken by both male and female test subjects.
The following vendors offer mtDNA tests: Family Tree DNA and LivingDNA (combined with autosomal and Y-DNA).
Y chromosome DNA, this is the one I used to have my brother tested and solve the Sullivan ancestry questions, and used Family Tree DNA.
- A Y chromosome DNA or Y-DNA test traces the test subject’s paternal (father’s) lineage along a direct line, from male to male, etc. The Y-DNA is passed down unchanged from father to son.
- A Y-DNA test can only be taken by male test subjects since females do not have a Y chromosome in their DNA.
- Females who want to test direct paternal lineage should seek out a male relative such as their father, a brother, etc. for DNA testing.
The following vendors offer mtDNA tests: Family Tree DNA and LivingDNA (combined with autosomal and mtDNA).
For more information, contact Shanna Jones at shannasjones@Msn.com