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Turn DNA Results Into Family History hero
Turn DNA Results Into Family History
A DNA test is only the first step. American Ancestors can help you interpret your DNA results, connect them with historical records, and use expert guidance to uncover a richer family story.
Download a free guide to using DNA in family history research
What Is DNA?
Every human has 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. Each parent passes half their chromosomes to a child, but the genetic “deck” gets shuffled with each child, with the exception of identical twins. Siblings share the most DNA, children share roughly 50 percent of their DNA with a biological parent, 25 percent with a biological grandparent, and so on. For each generation of a family tree, the amount of DNA divides by half.
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There are different kinds of DNA, all of which can help with family history research.
Autosomal DNA:
Autosomal DNA refers to 44 of an individual’s chromosomes, which determine a range of individual characteristics. The last pair of chromosomes determines biological sex—XX for females, and XY for males.
Mitochondrial DNA:
In addition to autosomal DNA and sex-linked chromosomes, we inherit mitochondrial DNA from our biological mothers. All individuals possess it, but only females pass it down to their children.
Y-DNA:
Because males alone have a Y chromosome, a Y-DNA test can be useful for identifying ancestors in a direct male line.
How DNA Tests Work
Most genetic DNA tests ask you to provide a saliva or cheek swab sample. Lab technicians extract your genetic material from the sample and compare it against specific markers in large databases of DNA from across the globe. These reference populations consist of DNA samples from people who have lived in a specific region for a long time.
The most common kind of DNA test is autosomal, which looks at the 22 non-sex chromosome pairs and also the X chromosome (not the Y). This test helps identify distant living relatives. If you can contact these relatives or if they’ve made their family history research available, you can potentially find ancestors you have in common.
What Is the Best DNA Test for Your Research?
Wondering what is the best ancestry DNA test for your family history goals? The right test depends on what you’re hoping to discover. Understanding the different types of DNA tests and what each can reveal can help you choose the most reliable DNA test for your ancestry research.
Autosomal Test
If you haven’t yet taken a DNA Test, start with an autosomal test. You will receive a breakdown of the regions where your ancestors originated thousands of years ago.
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Most test companies will also show you matches to other people you share DNA with, and what percentage of DNA you share. The more you share, the more closely you are related. These matches are based on other people’s DNA test results—people who have agreed to add their results to a large database so matching is possible.
Y-DNA Test
Some companies offer a Y-DNA test, or the option to add Y-DNA testing to an autosomal test. Y-DNA is only carried by males and can help trace a paternal line and pinpoint a male ancestor within a certain number of generations. The Y-DNA test looks at specific segments of Y-DNA called markers, typically markers 700, 111, 67, 37, 25, and 12. Some markers reveal more than others. The Y-700 maker test is expensive, but has the ability to identify an ancestor living within the last few generations. The 37-marker or 111-marker tests are good choices for genealogical information.
Haplogroups
Markers help estimate which paternal haplogroup you belong to – this is where your ancestors settled after migrating out of Africa. This map shows that the haplogroup of the test taker migrated from African to Western Europe.
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mtDNA (Mitochondrial DNA)
The mitochondrial DNA tests along the matriarchal line, and can show you the migration path of your ancient female ancestors.
Understanding Your DNA Test Results With Expert Help
Have you taken a DNA test and need help understanding your results? Genetic genealogy can involve a wide range of tools and data.
American Ancestors offers one-on-one consultations that can help you understand the information you receive from any testing company. Our experts can show you how to upload your results online to GedMatch and other sites to find more matches and demonstrate how to use DNA test results to break down genealogical brick walls.
Using DNA test results in American AncesTREES
American Ancestors’ online family tree platform American AncesTREES offers cutting edge DNA tools that can help illuminate relationships
between people in your family tree and help you identify new matches.