About us
Genealogical DNA Testing of Y-DNA12 and mtDNA
DNA testing can be a valuable tool in genealogical research when it is combined with conventional research. Test results can be used to confirm a suspected connection between two families or disprove a connection. Although it is impossible to pinpoint a common ancestor from the test results alone, with a genealogical pedigree trail you may be able to do so. We will provide the Stower/Stowers genealogical pedigree that will assist in your search for your ancestors.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the chemical inside the nucleus of all cells that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. A DNA molecule consists of two strands that wrap around each other to resemble a twisted ladder. The DNA sequence specifies the exact genetic instructions required to create a particular organism with its own unique traits.
Chromosomes are paired threadlike "packages" of long segments of DNA contained within the nucleus of each cell. In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. In 22 pairs, both members are essentially identical, one deriving from the individual's mother, the other from the father. The 23rd pair is different. In females this pair has two like chromosomes called "X". In males it comprises one "X" and one "Y," two very dissimilar chromosomes. It is these chromosome differences which determine sex. Human sex is determined by the X and Y chromosomes. A female has 2 X-Chromosomes and a male has an X and a Y-Chromosome. When a child is conceived it gets one chromosome from its mother and one
chromosome from its father. The chromosome from the mother will always be an X, but the chromosome from the father may be either X or Y. If the child gets the X she will be a girl, if the child gets the Y he will be a boy. The Y-chromosome is passed from father to sons, and to their sons unchanged, except for a mutation about every 500 generations. The Y-chromosome is unaffected by the X-Chromosome that came from the mother.
The Y-Chromosome has definable segments of DNA with known genetic characteristics. These segments are known as Markers. These markers occur at an identifiable physical location on a chromosome known as a Locus. Each marker is designated by a number (known as DYS#), according to international conventions. You will often find the terms Marker and Locus used interchangeably, but technically the Marker is what is tested and the Locus is where the marker is located on the chromosome.
The testing for Stower/Stowers DNA Project can be done using 12, 25, 37 or 67 markers. We are establishing the project with the 12-marker Y-chromosome test. 12 markers are sufficient to determine whether or not two people are genetically related. In addition, the 12-marker project price of $99 is more affordable for participants.
The value of the 25, 37 or 67 marker test occurs when two participants are related based on the 12-marker test. When participants match with the 12-marker test, the test can be upgraded to 25, 37 or 67 markers. The objective of upgrading to additional markers is to further reduce the time frame of the common ancestor between the matching participants. The common ancestor is also referred to as the Most Recent Common Ancestor, or MRCA.
Typically, participants would be interested in upgrading their 12 marker test when a match occurs. Two individuals are considered related for the 12 marker test if they match 12/12, 11/12, and sometimes with 10/12. In the first two situations, an upgrade to the 25 marker test is recommended.
The mtDNA test will give you similar results as the Y-DNA test, only for the mother’s mother’s mother’s side. Of course, this test would not be able to help you map out family trees as easily as Y-DNA, since female surnames change every generation. However it is still possible to find relevant matches who share a common female ancestor and connect your family trees.
Additionally, you also receive the list of countries of origin of all the closest matches in the database, which can help determine which countries your maternal ancestors came from. The mtDNA Test can also determine your mtDNA haplogroup, in order to tell you in broad geographic terms where your line originated.
Women, mtDNA cannot be included in Y-DNA Projects. A separate Geographic Project can be set up for them if there is enough interest.
DNA testing can be a valuable tool in genealogical research when it is combined with conventional research. Test results can be used to confirm a suspected connection between two families or disprove a connection. Although it is impossible to pinpoint a common ancestor from the test results alone, with a genealogical pedigree trail you may be able to do so. We will provide the Stower/Stowers genealogical pedigree that will assist in your search for your ancestors.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the chemical inside the nucleus of all cells that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. A DNA molecule consists of two strands that wrap around each other to resemble a twisted ladder. The DNA sequence specifies the exact genetic instructions required to create a particular organism with its own unique traits.
Chromosomes are paired threadlike "packages" of long segments of DNA contained within the nucleus of each cell. In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. In 22 pairs, both members are essentially identical, one deriving from the individual's mother, the other from the father. The 23rd pair is different. In females this pair has two like chromosomes called "X". In males it comprises one "X" and one "Y," two very dissimilar chromosomes. It is these chromosome differences which determine sex. Human sex is determined by the X and Y chromosomes. A female has 2 X-Chromosomes and a male has an X and a Y-Chromosome. When a child is conceived it gets one chromosome from its mother and one
chromosome from its father. The chromosome from the mother will always be an X, but the chromosome from the father may be either X or Y. If the child gets the X she will be a girl, if the child gets the Y he will be a boy. The Y-chromosome is passed from father to sons, and to their sons unchanged, except for a mutation about every 500 generations. The Y-chromosome is unaffected by the X-Chromosome that came from the mother.
The Y-Chromosome has definable segments of DNA with known genetic characteristics. These segments are known as Markers. These markers occur at an identifiable physical location on a chromosome known as a Locus. Each marker is designated by a number (known as DYS#), according to international conventions. You will often find the terms Marker and Locus used interchangeably, but technically the Marker is what is tested and the Locus is where the marker is located on the chromosome.
The testing for Stower/Stowers DNA Project can be done using 12, 25, 37 or 67 markers. We are establishing the project with the 12-marker Y-chromosome test. 12 markers are sufficient to determine whether or not two people are genetically related. In addition, the 12-marker project price of $99 is more affordable for participants.
The value of the 25, 37 or 67 marker test occurs when two participants are related based on the 12-marker test. When participants match with the 12-marker test, the test can be upgraded to 25, 37 or 67 markers. The objective of upgrading to additional markers is to further reduce the time frame of the common ancestor between the matching participants. The common ancestor is also referred to as the Most Recent Common Ancestor, or MRCA.
Typically, participants would be interested in upgrading their 12 marker test when a match occurs. Two individuals are considered related for the 12 marker test if they match 12/12, 11/12, and sometimes with 10/12. In the first two situations, an upgrade to the 25 marker test is recommended.
The mtDNA test will give you similar results as the Y-DNA test, only for the mother’s mother’s mother’s side. Of course, this test would not be able to help you map out family trees as easily as Y-DNA, since female surnames change every generation. However it is still possible to find relevant matches who share a common female ancestor and connect your family trees.
Additionally, you also receive the list of countries of origin of all the closest matches in the database, which can help determine which countries your maternal ancestors came from. The mtDNA Test can also determine your mtDNA haplogroup, in order to tell you in broad geographic terms where your line originated.
Women, mtDNA cannot be included in Y-DNA Projects. A separate Geographic Project can be set up for them if there is enough interest.