1: Basic Genetics and Research
2: Learn about DNA Testing
3: Take a DNA Test
4: DNA Matching
5: Ethnicity, Relationships
6: DNA Research Tools
7: Adoption and DNA
8: Help with Questions
Translation Tips
Music
Project 8: DNA
Goal 2: Learn about DNA Testing
Goal 2: Learn about DNA testing.
Vault
This Goal helps you learn about DNA tests for recent ancestry, maternal lines, and paternal lines.
(4:48)
Choices
ALearn the basics of DNA testing.
Summary
- DNA tests come in different varieties that each accomplish something different. It's important to know what you are looking to get out of the DNA test before purchasing it.
- Learn about DNA Testing.
Understanding DNA Testing for Genealogy Research—5:00 - 2014
- Get an introduction to different types of DNA tests.
FS—DNA: An Introduction to Genetic Genealogy - Types of DNA—15:16 - 2018 - Here are "five truths" about DNA testing.
5 Truths about DNA Tests—4:49 - 2016
- Learn about the kinds of information that DNA tests provide you.
I Took a DNA Test: Now What? - 2017 - Review the links in the blog article for FAQs about DNA testing.
DNA Testing, Part One - The DearMYRTLE YouTube Channel has a series of videos called "Demystifying DNA Tests".
YT—Demystifying DNA Tests - Use these DNA inheritance charts to better understand DNA test results.
FL—Charts for Understanding DNA Inheritance - 2019 - Learn about STR (Short Tandem Repeats) and SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) tests for DNA inheritance.
WDY—What is STR and SNP DNA?
BLearn about autosomal (recent ancestry) DNA testing.
Summary
- Autosomal DNA tests are probably the most accessible and popular tests available now.
- Autosomal tests can be taken by either gender and will provide ethnicity percentages as well as tell you how much DNA you have in common with another person.
- Get an overview of autosomal DNA testing in this video and article.
AC—The Power of Autosomal DNA—7:51 - 2016
Autosomal DNA - 2012 - Learn how to use autosomal DNA research in practice.
WDY—Autosomal DNA: How to Use It in Practice—56:31 - 2015
- Learn about solving brick walls in research with autosomal test results.
FL—Autosomal DNA and Solving Brick Walls - 2018 - Explore the Autosomal DNA page on the ISOGG website for help resources.
CLearn about mitochondrial (maternal line) DNA testing.
Summary
- Mitochondrial DNA tests are used to trace the direct maternal line and may help you overcome a genealogy brick wall.
- Get an overview of mtDNA testing in this ISOGG Wiki article.
Mitochondrial DNA Tests - Get an overview of mtDNA in this brief video.
Mitochondrial DNA—1:04 - 2010
- Learn more about mtDNA and what it can tell you about maternal ancestry.
Genetic Ancestry Testing: Mitochondrial DNA—4:53 - 2014
- Explore the Mitochondrial DNA page on the ISOGG website for help resources.
DLearn about Y-DNA (paternal line) testing.
Summary
- Y-DNA tests are used to trace the direct paternal line and only men can take these tests.
- Y-DNA is often used when tracing a surname back in time.
- Get an overview of Y-DNA testing in this article.
Y Chromosome DNA Test - 2022 - Watch these videos to learn more about Y-DNA testing for genealogy.
Using Y-DNA to Research your Surname—3:58 - 2018
Y-DNA Basics with Q & A—60:23 - 2020
- Explore the Y-DNA page on the ISOGG website for help resources.
