Hi All...
Here's the two best answers that I've received to Arthur's question about
validity of 12 marker DNA testing... The two who answered are Cal Boyd, the Clan Boyd
coordinator & moderator; and John Hanson, the Scot-DNA @ Rootsweb moderator.
What they have to say clears up the 'mud' a little...<s>. One one point
they seem to think as Arthur does, and they also give hope for additional (more specific)
markers (loci) which are being added for testing both now & in the future. Mutation
at locus points is discussed as well.
Hope this helps... Martha
-----------------------------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: Genibug [mailto:daddyrayone@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 6:53 AM
To: SCOT-DNA-L(a)rootsweb.com
Subject: [SCOT-DNA] Validity of DNA testing
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 10:32:16 -0800
From: genealogist(a)clanboyd.org
To: SCOT-DNA-L(a)rootsweb.com
Message-ID: <3DD14930.40401(a)clanboyd.org>
Subject: Re: [SCOT-DNA] Validity of DNA testing
Martha,
Each of the twelve markers has a range of numbers but the range
is not the same for each one.
It is therefore possible to put simular haploTYPES into
haploGROUPS. These groups are very broad at the moment
but with time and more DNA to study they should be able
to separate them better.
--
Cal Boyd,
BOYD Y-DNA Project Manager
http://www.geocities.com/hob311
[Please sign my guestbook]
_________________________
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 11:28:43 -0800
From: "John A Hansen" <jahansen(a)qwest.net>
To: SCOT-DNA-L(a)rootsweb.com
Subject: RE: [SCOT-DNA] Validity of DNA testing
Dear Martha:
It's an over exaggeration but he makes a point.
I am not a fan of the 12 loci tests either.
The 12 marker test can usually rule out non related
tests. It can very seldom be used to connotate a
possible match. Even a 12/12 match will only be
a very general possible genealogy match amongst the
general population.
I always recommend the 24 or 25 marker test. Even then
the probability drops pretty fast. Take a look at the
genealogy-dna archives for some extensive discussions
on this subject. There is some limited information
on the
www.familytreedna.com web site.
My concern has always been the 12 marker test even
as a "rule out" is not always the case. There are many
cases where the test results were 10/12 so people did
not take the extended test. Later it was found that those
two loci were faster mutating loci and the rest of the
loci did match.
Best Regards.John
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive medley & videos from Greatest Hits CD