Samis DNA Project- Background

Background

On November 30, 2010 the Samis DNA Project was established with Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) of Houston, Texas.  The purpose of this project is to find Samis ancestors, and other unknown related Samis relatives, through DNA testing.  The Arizona Genetics Institute, at the University of Arizona, has determined 67 markers on the Y-chromosome that would be beneficial to genealogist in tracing specific surname lines.  These particular markers were selected for their low mutation rates.  The test that is done is called the Y-DNA test.  There are four different tests that can be done: the Y-DNA 12-marker, the Y-DNA 25-marker, the Y-DNA 37-marker and the Y-DNA 67-marker.  The Y-DNA test only works with males who have the same surname.  The Y-chromosome is passed from father to son, father to son, etc.  So it becomes a marker for the surname.  A female may participate in this project by having her father, brother, uncle or male cousin, who carry the Samis surname, contribute a sample of their Y-DNA.