DNA testing - genetic genealogy

[Erato]

Hang on here.  Mitochondrial DNA is non-chromosomal DNA that is found in the mitochondria and comes from the mother.  It has nothing to do with the X chromosome.  Both males and females get m-DNA from their mother.

[Nick29]

I have to say that those pooh-poohing DNA genealogy testing here appear to be very short-sighted regarding the possibilities.  Remember that the people who are getting DNA tests are also doing classical genealogical research.  So they may well have details about your ncestors that you have not yet found.

Yes, good point, Nick.  I suppose that if you're faced with a brick wall, any avenue that you haven't explored is something to try.  However, I wouldn't want people to get too excited about it, because DNA testing is far better at proving who isn't related, than finding out who is, and the reason for this is because a large proportion of the native population (as opposed to those who are immigrants somewhere along the line) of the UK are inter-related on many levels already.  If everyone on Roots Chat were to take a DNA test, chances are that about 30% would find matches, because most of us are inter-related. 

[Tisy]

Hi Erato,

I stand corrected - of course you are right about the mtDNA.  This is good, as it helps us all understand a little better what is a very complicated subject.

Thanks to all for a very interesting discussion - long may it continue.

Cheers,

Tisy

[Tisy]

Hi all,

This is the info from ftDNA on "Family Finder"

FAMILY FINDER - FOR CLOSE GENEALOGY
Family Finder
ORDER NOW $289.00 For males and females. The Family Finder Test helps you find family across all your lines, up to 6 generations back, by checking hundreds of thousands of points in your autosomal DNA, and comparing your results with others in the Family Finder database.

Tisy

[youngtug]

Is the database large enough to be of any use ?                http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/extras/molgen/auto_dna.html

[Tisy]

Hi Youngtug,

Many thanks for the link to the Uni of Utah stuff.  Just spent a fascinating half-hour going through the various bits and am now much better informed.  Had to play the audio stuff a couple of times to get it to play without breaking up, but managed to hear everything eventually.  The autosomal stuff was really interesting;  I was never quite sure if I had inherited anything from my g-grandparents, but this has cleared it up for me.

Tisy

[coombs]

Men inherit their mothers y-DNA but they dont pass it on.

[Redroger]

Spot on Nick, your posting really sumarises my problem, perhaps not in the USA, but certainly in 18th century England.
Coombes, I think you mean a mother's X DNA, it women have a Y chromosome I was unaware of it.

[marcie dean]

This could be handy for proving relationships if born the wrong side of the blanket as in my grgrandads case.

marcie