Hello List
DNA genealogy using genetic markers on the Y-chromosome carried by males is
used to show true relationships between people of the same name. By
comparing the standard 12 or 24 markers used in commercial test, you can
determine true genetic relationships with other individuals. The process
has been applied to genealogy for the past decade. At this point in time
there are literally hundreds of family DNA surname projects going on all
over the world. The test is easy, consisting of swabbing the inside of your
cheek a few times with a little brush that pulls off a few loose skin
cells. Send the brush back to the testing company and they will process
your kit and send you a report which can then be compared with others. Most
of the companies who do these tests also maintain family DNA studies on
line and post the results of the participants so they can compare
themselves with others in their group.
I am in the McCarthy group which includes McCarty, a good old Owen County
name. Bobbieann McCarthy started our group and is its
administrator: bobbieann1(a)aol.com contact her if interested in
participating. It's fun and fascinating.
We now have more than twenty-five individuals in our group from Canada, New
Zealand, Ireland, and colonial and famine era (circa 1850 participants. The
list continues to grow. It is interesting to see the genetic cousins who
show up.
It is also interesting to compare your DNA with other family names.You can
then see just how unique your heritage really is. Since the markers used in
this test are passed from father to son along the Y chromosome (which
females don't have), a female participant to the group must get her father
or a brother (a male 1st cousin, even a 2nd cousin is usually close enough)
to provide the cheek swab for the test.
Any family out there who wants to start a Family DNA project can do so, by
contacting Family Tree DNA. or any one of the half dozen other companies
who now provide this service. Standard charge for the test is usually about
$100, but you sure get your hun-dred dollars worth of enjoyment, fun, and
enlightenment, and if you're lucky you can connect with other family
members who you may not have known about.
Cheers
Russ McCarty
Russ McCarty
cormac(a)flmnh.ufl.edu