While more information can be obtained from online sources, checking old family photos and document archives or getting information from close relatives can help you find out more about your ancestry. If you want to learn even more, a DNA test is also a great alternative. There are various genetic testing companies that carry out tests for a reasonable fee. Analyzing the data obtained can date back to the discovery of your ancestors from thousands of years back where you can even come up with a family tree. Choosing the right DNA test is determined by what you want to know from the test. Here are tips on how to choose a DNA test.
mtDNA
Also referred to as Mitochondrial DNA, this test focuses on the maternal family line, analyzing the mitochondrial DNA that passes down to the child from the mother. mtDNA does not include the DNA from both parents and can be the same for several generations since it changes gradually.
The test, however, can only trace a single lineage which is from the mother to her mother and henceforth and can go over 10,000 years ago giving you information dating back to your mother’s ethnic background. Although it can be done on both men and women, it only applies in a direct maternal line. Another con is the fact it is usually costly and doesnโt offer many results if you want to find living relatives.
Autosomal DNA
This DNA test focuses on the individual nucleotides which are normally from your ancestors. The test can help you find both your ancestors and living relatives as well as determine your ethnic background and the regions that your ancestors used to live. Since the DNA comes from both parents, the ability of the autosomal DNA to analyze close to 700,000 single nucleotides enables estimation on how you can be closely related to another person. The test is one of the commonly used tests by most genetic companies, though itโs only convenient for around five generations and cannot date further back.
Y-DNA
Though almost similar to the mtDNA test, the Y-DNA test applies to a direct paternal line analyzing only the Y-chromosome which is passed down to the son from the father. The results normally display men that share a common paternal line which matches and the test cannot be done on women. Just like mtDNA, the test only identifies your father, his father and many other fathers in his ancestral line for thousands of generations. It can also reveal your ethnicity or region of origin of your paternal line.
Database size
The genetic companyโs database size will estimate the matches that fit your DNA results. Every company has a different database and a test with one with a large database will be more productive. Access to your raw data will also help in data interpretation.
Cost
The different tests pointed out above have different prices, some more expensive than others. Find out if there are any membership subscriptions and discounts to lower your costs and still obtain the necessary information from your DNA results.
Carrying out a DNA test is not a simple choice and it can disclose hidden family secrets. Make the choice wisely since each genetic company has its own pros and cons. \”Which Ancestry DNA Test is best? 23AndMe vs. Ancestry vs. Family Tree DNA\” – MyFamilyDNATest.com
You can often find discounts if you look online, like anย Ancestry discount codeย from Groupon.
