Genealogy Chat

Marjorie You are not boring.....far from it. Just wish I understood it all! Even though I wouldn't consider DNA testing for family trees, I saw a fascinating TV programme on mitrochondrial (spelling??) DNA which could take people back to the tribe they descended from in remote parts of the world. It's incredible to think that our bodies carry information connecting us from one generation to the next. Perhaps you could start a 'DNA for Beginners' thread to explain how all this works! I'd love to know more! Natalie

Martin You shouldnt have brought this subject up, I am a world class bore on it!! There are two sorts of DNA tests involved and you need to get the right one. The Y chromosome one, which is the usual 'Family History' one, can only be done on males who have an unbroken descent through males from a common male ancestor. The 36 point test will tell whether you have that male ancestor in common - but only up to a point! This test is widely misunderstood and is granted miraculous abilities, which it doesnt have. I will try to explain! We all have 2 parents, 4 grandparents 8 ggparents and so on. Let us say you are trying to decide if you and another man, with the same name as you, have a common gt gt grandfather. You both have a Y test and it comes back with the result that you do not have this ancestor in common. You both cry a bit and go your separate ways, thinkingyou are not related and share no genes. BUT. There is a possibility that this ggparent is still your relation, but that one of you is descended from a daughter, or other female. Females do not carry a Y chromosome so that 'signature' is lost. He is still the GT Gt Grandfather of you both, but the Y chromosome test will not prove this, indeed it will deny it. But your RECOMBINANT DNA would prove that you each share his genes in the same proportion to the genes of the other 15 Gt Gt Grandparents you have. Think of the Y chromosome as a yellow marker pen, which highlights only a single, limited route through your ancestors. Sorry to go on - I am absolutely obsessed with genetics. In short, if you are going to spend £120 on a DNA test, be aware of its limited usefulness. Hope this has helped. Marjorie

Some one-name Family History Societies are co-ordinating DNA tests. As I understand it you have to have someone of the MALE line with the SAME surname and supposed same ancestors. The DNA test should be a '36 marker' one to be effective at proving a link. Be warned though - its not cheap. About £120 with a discount for the FHS joint effort. Anne

Has anybody had any experience of proving relationship through DNA tests? I understand it can be done. I have a problem confirming parentage in am ancestor although I am fairly certain I have the names etc. Is it not possible to compare DNA with, for example, my DNA and the DNA of the descendents of the siblings of my ancestor in question? Martin