Hi,
I have a quick and dirty definition of some words used in genetic genealogy:
Haplogroup
A Haplogroup places you on the genetic tree of mankind. Think of the
haplogroups as the main branches on the genetic tree of mankind. This is not
really used for genealogy as it determines ancient mankind, before the use
of surnames, in the tens of thousands of years.
Haplotypes
It takes a Haplotype to predict a Haplogroup. To actually determine a
Haplogroup from your markers you must take a Y-SNP test.
Markers
Markers are a set of predetermined places in a dna string that are tested,
these tests are given names and numbers and are referred to as markers, the
results of these tests create the marker results, which may or may not link
you to a particular surname.
These sets of marker's results are called a Haplotype.
There are different tests (these are for FTDNA - Family Tree DNA)
1. 12 markers,
2. 25 markers,
3. 37 markers
There may be other names for these tests but discussing them by the number,
people will still know what you mean.
the more marker results the better chance of finding someone you share a
common ancestor with.
Haplotypes are important in genealogical research. The test they use is
referred to as an STR test.
The more matches of markers within the haplotype the closer you are to the
person whose test you are comparing to, as long as you are with in the same
surname group. Although, there can be mutations at markers, these can help
in determining the distance in years the two tested are from a common
ancestor. Normally father and son have an exact match on their markers, but
a mutation can occur between father and son, or even between brothers, as
one may get the mutated marker and the other not. But normally this changed
marker is given to his descendants.
Different companies offer different markers to be tested although, they all
offer the bassic 32. You can see a comparison of what each company offers at
my webpage listed below.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~bonsteinandgilpin/dna/ydnaco.htm
Right now DNA FingerPRINT shown as DNA-F on my chart has a batch order that
goes in on the 14 of Feb. Right now it is at a 50% discount. What's nice
about DNA-f is that after you do an itial order you can test as little as
ONE marker a month. A very cheap way to get tested if you only have limited
funds like me!
Anne at AWNRDC(a)aol.com does the batch orders for the company and your list
admin can tell you which tests to do to be able to compare them with tests
from other companies. Of course being a mailing list at
rootsweb.com prices
can not be mentioned but go look at the comparison chart use the links to
the companies to compare costs and talk to the admin about which, to test
for and go for it.. 50% off is a good way to start!
Nelda
Co- Admin for Gilpin DNA Study..
Nelda's websites - Please visit
http://freepages.folklore.rootsweb.com/~bonsteinandgilpin/
Gilpin DNA Project member