FAQ
What is an X chromsone?
The X chromosome (one of the two paired sex chromosomes) is carried by both males and females (females as “XX,” males as “XY”) but can only be passed down from a mother to her son or daughter. By comparing the X chromosome of two individuals, you may identify a common ancestor if that segment comes from an ancestor in your direct X path.
What is Y-DNA?
Y-DNA is DNA that passes from Grandfather to Father to Son. The Y chromosome (one of the two paired sex chromosomes) is only carried by men and is passed from father to son. By comparing the Y chromosome of two males, you can determine whether they share a common patrilineal ancestor.
What is MT-DNA?
MT-DNA is DNA that passes from Grandmother to Mother to Daughter. MtDNA, or mitochondrial DNA, is found in a cell's mitochondria. Mitochondria are passed from a woman to all her children, regardless of whether they are male or female. By comparing the mitochondrial DNA of two individuals, you can determine whether they share a common matrilineal ancestor.
What is DNA?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic code that defines each person’s biological characteristics. DNA is chains of four individual nucleotide links, the sequence of which encode our genetic information. These strings of DNA are coiled into packages called chromosomes. Chromosomes are found in the cell nucleus. Each nucleus contains 23 paired chromosomes. One of these pairs (the sex chromosomes) is composed of two X chromosomes for females or an X and a Y chromosome for males. The other 22 paired chromosomes are known as autosomes.Cells also have mitochondria outside the cell’s nucleus. Mitochondria have their own DNA.
What is a halpogroup?
Haplogroup designations may be included in your test results for YDNA (father line) and mtDNA (mother line). Haplogroups are groupings of DNA similarities that reflect ancient migration patterns before genealogical records were created. YDNA haplogroups match with modern usage of surnames and can be helpful in solving problems on your surname line. mtDNA haplogroups reflect more variety and are loosely tied to your maternal ethnic origins.
What is Autosomal DNA?
Autosomal DNA includes all the chromosomes (excluding the sex chromosomes). Autosomal DNA can help identify ancestors within the last 5–7 generations. However, because you only inherit half of each of your parents’ DNA, some of your ancestors “fall off” your genetic tree (meaning you did not inherit any of their DNA). You are also guaranteed to only share DNA with 2nd cousins or closer.
Why don't I share DNA with known relatives?
DNA is inherited randomly, which means the DNA segments you inherited from your ancestors may be different than the DNA your relative inherited from the same ancestors. You are only guaranteed to share DNA with a second cousin or closer.