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[[File:1200px-DNA methylation.jpg|thumb|right|450px|<center>DNA</center>]]
DNA testing has become an accepted tool for identifying ancestors and for verifying genealogical leads. It is also used frequently to learn about our deep ancestry. Testing your family DNA sometimes results in finding cousins who may have more genealogical information than you.  
DNA testing has become an accepted tool for identifying ancestors and for verifying genealogical leads. It is also used frequently to learn about our deep ancestry. Testing your family DNA sometimes results in finding cousins who may have more genealogical information than you.  
== Disclaimer  ==
'''Neither The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor FamilySearch International is associated in any way with any DNA study. As a non-profit organization, FamilySearch cannot recommend a specific DNA-testing company to you.'''


== What is DNA? ==
== DNA Testing Companies ==
To better understand DNA testing it is helpful to have a basic understanding of how DNA is inherited. The University of Utah's [https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ Genetic Science Learning Center's] page [http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/ Basic Genetics] is an excellent resource.
 
DNA  is based on the 46 chromosomes that every human being has (with few exceptions). The sex-determining chromosomes are X from the mother and either X or Y from the father. If X from the father, the child is female (XX) and if Y from the father the child is male (XY). The Y-chromosome can be traced from father to son to son and so on.
 
In addition, each human being carries a genetic molecule in their cells called the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This genetic component is found in organelles called mitochondria, which produce energy for the hosting cell. mtDNA is inherited exclusively along the mother side. Both males and females carry mtDNA, but only women will pass their mtDNA to their children. Both mtDNA and Y DNA can go back hundreds of years, because of their slow mutation rate. They can be used to help verify or find direct maternal or paternal lines.
 
Autosomal DNA is the DNA found on the rest of your 44 chromosomes. It is a mix of all your ancestor lines not just your direct maternal or paternal line. Autosomal usually shows about 6-7 generations back. 
 
[[Image:DNA Double Helix.png|right|300px|DNA Double Helix.png]]
 
== Getting Started with DNA Testing ==
 
CeCe Moore's "DNA Testing for Genealogy - Getting Started" series is a great place for beginners. It is also great for helping to decide which type of DNA test to do. Read her posts at the Geni blog:
 
*[http://www.geni.com/blog/dna-testing-for-genealogy-getting-started-part-one-375984.html Part 1]
*[http://www.geni.com/blog/dna-testing-for-genealogy-getting-started-part-two-376163.html Part 2]
*[http://www.geni.com/blog/dna-testing-for-genealogy-getting-started-part-three-376261.html Part 3]
*[http://www.geni.com/blog/dna-testing-for-genealogy-getting-started-part-four-376433.html Part 4]


== Y-DNA Testing  ==
The main five main companies for genetic genealogy are 23andme, Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, LivingDNA, and MyHeritage. All five of these companies sell DNA kits, predict your ethnicity results, generate a list of your genetic relatives who are also in the database, tell you the amount of centimorgans you share with each match and predict the relationship between the two of you, let you see lists of people who match you and someone else on your match list, let you add your family tree, and allow you to download your raw data. All of them use a microarray to test between 620,000-665,000 SNPs and all have a base price on their basic autosomal DNA test between $79 and $99. All five companies are highly reputable and will do a great job if you choose to buy a DNA test from them.


Information stored in the Y chromosome (Ycs) passes virtually unchanged from father-to-son for centuries. Analysis of this genetic information, found in living people, can help you determine whether you share a common paternal ancestor with another person alive today. Based on the number of genetic markers shared on the Ycs with another person, you can also estimate how many generations in the past your common paternal ancestor lived. This is called Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) and it is based on a mutation rate calculated on many thousands of father/son pairs. Ycs testing can help in verifying a common paternal ancestor, or learn about the origin of a particular surname. Additionally, each Ycs can be predicted into a specific branch of the large Ycs tree based on the set of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) tested by many companies and using an [http://www.hprg.com/hapest5/ online predictor], or it can be accurately assigned to one of these branches through the test of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)&nbsp;(see the Ycs&nbsp;[http://isogg.org/tree/index.html ISOGG]&nbsp;tree).  
In addition to these five companies, GedMatch is also a key genetic database. GedMatch, however, does not sell DNA kits, you must buy a kit from another company and then upload your DNA raw data file into GedMatch.


Note: Only males carry the Ycs, but a woman can have a male relative tested in her stead to obtain such information.
If you are looking for someone you gave up for adoption, it is important to get your DNA in all the databases. That way you have the best possible chance of finding the one person you are looking for.
 
== MTDNA Testing  ==
 
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a small circular genetic molecule found outside the nucleus in organelles called mitochondria. It is inherited exclusively from our mothers and it follows an unbroken maternal line. MtDNA is helpful in verifying the existence of a common maternal ancestor or to study the ancient origins of our maternal line. MtDNA lineages can be grouped together in a large [http://www.phylotree.org/ mtDNA tree]. Each branch of this tree may have a specific geographic distribution that might help someone locate the country or region of origin of their maternal line.
 
MtDNA testing can be done for a small section of the genome called the control region (which usually include the segments HVR1, 2 and/or 3), or for the full molecule (16569 bases). [http://www.familytreedna.com/mt-dna-compare.aspx Family Tree DNA] is currently the only commercial laboratory offering the complete mtDNA sequence to its customers.
 
Note: Although mtDNA is inherited exclusively along the maternal side, both males and females carry it. Only females will pass it on to their children. ISOGG has a useful diagram which shows the [http://www.isogg.org/mtdnapath.htm path of mtDNA transmission].
 
== Autosomal DNA Testing  ==
 
Autosomal DNA is the DNA found in the 22 pairs of nuclear chromosomes. They are shuffled at each generation and only half of it is passed to our offspring. It does not follow a clear and straight path of inheritance as the Ycs and mtDNA described above. However, current testing provides a survey of one million or more sites on a person nuclear genome. This information is helpful in identifying recent cousins within the last five generations, or the ethnic origins of our family tree. Companies like [http://23andme.com/ 23andMe], [http://www.familytreedna.com/family-finder-compare.aspx Family Tree DNA], and [http://dna.ancestry.com/ Ancestry] all offer autosomal testing for genealogical purposes. [http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=2001246&gsk The Genographic Project] recently launched an autosomal test that offers insights into our deep ancestry. These tests offer a lot of information about our DNA and they may be difficult to understand. Each company offering such tests has numerous tutorials and aids on their website to assist with the interpretation of such results.&nbsp;
 
ISOGG's [http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_testing_comparison_chart "Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart"] provides useful information for selecting a company to process your atDNA.
 
== DNA Testing Companies ==
 
Some major commercial DNA testing companies are listed below in alphabetical order. Please visit their websites to learn more about their services:
 
== 23andme  ==


== 23andme ==
[[File:23andme.png||right| 350px|]]
23andme was founded in April 2006 and is based in Sunnyvale, California. They sell autosomal DNA kits with two options. Ancestry + Traits (base price $99) and Health + Ancestry (base price $149). The latter includes everything in the former plus health reports. They also sell memberships for $29 which grant access to additional features. The main benefit of the membership for genealogists is that it allows you to see your top 5000 matches whereas without it, you can only see your top 1500.
23andme was founded in April 2006 and is based in Sunnyvale, California. They sell autosomal DNA kits with two options. Ancestry + Traits (base price $99) and Health + Ancestry (base price $149). The latter includes everything in the former plus health reports. They also sell memberships for $29 which grant access to additional features. The main benefit of the membership for genealogists is that it allows you to see your top 5000 matches whereas without it, you can only see your top 1500.


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The biggest disadvantage to 23andme is their tree feature only lets you add up to 300 relatives and only 5 other people can have permission to view it at a time. They do have a place where you can provide a link to your tree somewhere else like Ancestry or MyHeritage, but most test takers have not included one or they have linked to their FamilySearch tree, not realizing only they can see it because they are living and therefore marked as private in FamilyTree.
The biggest disadvantage to 23andme is their tree feature only lets you add up to 300 relatives and only 5 other people can have permission to view it at a time. They do have a place where you can provide a link to your tree somewhere else like Ancestry or MyHeritage, but most test takers have not included one or they have linked to their FamilySearch tree, not realizing only they can see it because they are living and therefore marked as private in FamilyTree.
To summarize, 23andme is a great company and for an advanced genetic genealogist who knows how to use a chromosome browser and figure out who people are even when they don't have a pedigree and don't respond to emails. A test taker without those skills and who lacks the time and effort to obtain them will likely make little headway trying to solve brick wall ancestors. Those who are looking for closer relatives such adoptees or those who have given children up for adoption, should definitely test with 23andme just in case the one close relative you are looking for has already tested in their database. Maybe your biological mother is in 23andme but not any other company.


== Ancestry ==
== Ancestry ==
 
[[File:Logo-ancestrydna.png|| right| 350px|]]
Ancestry was founded in 1996 and has been selling DNA tests since 2012. They are based in Lehi, Utah. They sell Ancestry kits for $99 and Ancestry plus traits for $109. Often you can also add a three month membership to Ancestry's record database for $1 when you purchase a kit through them.
Ancestry was founded in 1996 and has been selling DNA tests since 2012. They are based in Lehi, Utah. They sell Ancestry kits for $99 and Ancestry plus traits for $109. Often you can also add a three month membership to Ancestry's record database for $1 when you purchase a kit through them.


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The biggest disadvantage to Ancestry is their strict privacy rules. They do not have a chromosome browser, they do not have an auto cluster tool, and although they let you see people who share DNA with both you and another genetic match, they do not let you see how closely those shared matches are related to the other person. This can make things difficult when trying to construct a hypothetical tree or when people do not respond to emails asking for more information (which happens frequently). Many people in Ancestry's large database, bought the test, looked at their ethnicity results once, and then never logged in again. Also, to get the full value out of your AncestryDNA test, you will need a membership to Ancestry. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to look at the trees uploaded by your matches.
The biggest disadvantage to Ancestry is their strict privacy rules. They do not have a chromosome browser, they do not have an auto cluster tool, and although they let you see people who share DNA with both you and another genetic match, they do not let you see how closely those shared matches are related to the other person. This can make things difficult when trying to construct a hypothetical tree or when people do not respond to emails asking for more information (which happens frequently). Many people in Ancestry's large database, bought the test, looked at their ethnicity results once, and then never logged in again. Also, to get the full value out of your AncestryDNA test, you will need a membership to Ancestry. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to look at the trees uploaded by your matches.
In summary, Ancestry has strict privacy rules which can be irritating for advanced genealogists and those interested in chromosome mapping, Thrulines is not perfect, and many matches do not respond to emails which is especially hard for beginning genealogists. However, the size of their database really does make up for a lot. Many genealogists still consider Ancestry to be the best company for genetic research, especially if those researchers are working on brick wall Ancestors who lived in the United States. Those who are looking for closer relatives such adoptees or those who have given children up for adoption, should definitely test with Ancestry just in case the one close relative you are looking for has already tested in their database. Maybe your biological mother is in Ancestry but not any other company.


== FamilyTreeDNA ==
== FamilyTreeDNA ==
 
[[File:FamilyTreeDNA.png||right| 350px|]]
Family Tree DNA was founded in 2000 and is based in Houston, Texas. They are the only company that sells autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and MtDNA tests. Their basic autosomal test is their "Family Finder" test and has a base price of $79. The Family Finder + myDNA wellness test has a base price of $119 and also includes "30+ actionable DNA insights into your health and wellness". Their mtDNA test is called the mtFull Sequence and has a base price of $159. It is named that because it tests all 16,000 base pairs included in mtDNA. They also sell three levels of Y-DNA tests: Y-37, Y-111, and Big Y-700 priced at $119, $249, and $449 respectively. Y-37 tests 37 Single Tandem Repeats (STR's), Y-111 tests 111 STR's, and Big-Y 700 tests 700 STR's as well as over 200,000 SNP's. Users of 23andme will probably notice that 23andme predicts your paternal and maternal haplogroups with their test. The difference between that and FamilyTreeDNA's tests is that FamilyTreeDNA's tests are more detailed and provide match lists for your Y-DNA and mtDNA. Anyone who matches you on those tests is related on your direct paternal line or direct maternal line respectively.
Family Tree DNA was founded in 2000 and is based in Houston, Texas. They are the only company that sells autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and MtDNA tests. Their basic autosomal test is their "Family Finder" test and has a base price of $79. The Family Finder + myDNA wellness test has a base price of $119 and also includes "30+ actionable DNA insights into your health and wellness". Their mtDNA test is called the mtFull Sequence and has a base price of $159. It is named that because it tests all 16,000 base pairs included in mtDNA. They also sell three levels of Y-DNA tests: Y-37, Y-111, and Big Y-700 priced at $119, $249, and $449 respectively. Y-37 tests 37 Single Tandem Repeats (STR's), Y-111 tests 111 STR's, and Big-Y 700 tests 700 STR's as well as over 200,000 SNP's. Users of 23andme will probably notice that 23andme predicts your paternal and maternal haplogroups with their test. The difference between that and FamilyTreeDNA's tests is that FamilyTreeDNA's tests are more detailed and provide match lists for your Y-DNA and mtDNA. Anyone who matches you on those tests is related on your direct paternal line or direct maternal line respectively.


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FamilyTreeDNA allows users to upload their trees, and they have a chromosome browser. They allow you to find a DNA match and not only allow you to see which of your matches also share DNA with that person like the other companies do, but they also allow you to easily see which of your matches do not match that particular person. For example, if you and your mom test, you could use that feature to quickly see everyone who does not match your mom and is thus related on your dad's side.
FamilyTreeDNA allows users to upload their trees, and they have a chromosome browser. They allow you to find a DNA match and not only allow you to see which of your matches also share DNA with that person like the other companies do, but they also allow you to easily see which of your matches do not match that particular person. For example, if you and your mom test, you could use that feature to quickly see everyone who does not match your mom and is thus related on your dad's side.


The biggest advantage to FamilyTreeDNA is that they offer so many different types of tests. They also can store your DNA sample for up to 25 years so if you decide to take an additional test later on, you can just pay the fee and you usually do not need to take the test a second time. In particular FamilyTreeDNA excels in the Y-DNA domain. FamilyTreeDNA hosts many free Y-DNA surname projects. These projects attempt to compare Y-DNA results of men with the same surname to determine if and how they are all related to each other. Check to see if your surname has a special Y-DNA project that you can join. If so, the project administrator may be able to give you unique insights into your paternal DNA.
In particular FamilyTreeDNA excels in the Y-DNA domain. As of June 2022 FamilyTreeDNA hosts 11,327 free Y-DNA surname projects. These projects attempt to compare Y-DNA results of men with the same surname to determine if and how they are all related to each other. Check to see if your surname has a special Y-DNA project that you can join. If so, the project administrator may be able to give you unique insights into your paternal DNA.


Another potential advantage to FamilyTreeDNA is they use a cheek swab whereas 23andme and Ancestry both use spit tubes. If you are trying to test someone who is old and unable to produce enough spit, FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage are great options since they both use swabs.
Another potential advantage to FamilyTreeDNA is they use a cheek swab whereas 23andme and Ancestry both use spit tubes. If you are trying to test someone who is old and unable to produce enough spit, FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage are great options since they both use swabs.
== Living DNA ==
[[File:LivingDNA.png| right| 350px|]]
LivingDNA was founded in 2016 and is based in Somerset, England. LivingDNA sells DNA tests Ancestry kits for $79, a Wellbeing kit for $95, and an Ancestry + Wellbeing kit for $140. You can also get a Personalized vitamins kit for $66. Those who purchase an Ancestry kit get the recent ancestry reports and Viking reports included in their purchase. LivingDNA allows free uploads from other companies, but if you upload then in order to get the Viking upgrade you would need to pay a one time fee of $20 and to get the Recent Ancestry upgrade you would need to pay a one time fee of $39.
LivingDNA predicts your paternal and maternal haplogroups like 23andme does, but it is only able to do so for customers who buy their test rather than simply upload it.
LivingDNA allows you to see your match list and people who share DNA with you and another person on your match list. They do not have a chromosome browser at this time, claim that they plan to release one soon.


== MyHeritage ==
== MyHeritage ==
 
[[File:MyHeritage Logo.png| right| 350px|]]
MyHeritage was founded in 2003 and has been selling DNA tests since 2016. They are headquartered in Or Yehuda, Israel.
MyHeritage was founded in 2003 and has been selling DNA tests since 2016. They are headquartered in Or Yehuda, Israel.


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MyHeritage is the best company for testing your small children who are too young to understand how to use a spit tube. A cheek swab is much easier to use on a child, but FamilyTreeDNA will not accept the DNA of any test taker under the age of 13. MyHeritage will allow samples from children if they are submitted by their parents or legal guardians.
MyHeritage is the best company for testing your small children who are too young to understand how to use a spit tube. A cheek swab is much easier to use on a child, but FamilyTreeDNA will not accept the DNA of any test taker under the age of 13. MyHeritage will allow samples from children if they are submitted by their parents or legal guardians.
== Living DNA ==
LivingDNA was founded in 2016 and is based in Somerset, England. LivingDNA sells DNA tests Ancestry kits for $79, a Wellbeing kit for $95, and an Ancestry + Wellbeing kit for $140. You can also get a Personalized vitamins kit for $66. Those who purchase an Ancestry kit get the recent ancestry reports and Viking reports included in their purchase. LivingDNA allows free uploads from other companies, but if you upload then in order to get the Viking upgrade you would need to pay a one time fee of $20 and to get the Recent Ancestry upgrade you would need to pay a one time fee of $39.
LivingDNA predicts your paternal and maternal haplogroups like 23andme does, but it is only able to do so for customers who buy their test rather than simply upload it.
LivingDNA allows you to see your match list and people who share DNA with you and another person on your match list. They do not have a chromosome browser at this time, claim that they plan to release one soon.
[https://www.23andme.com/ 23 and Me]
* Autosomal (with paternal and maternal Haplogroup assignment)
* Ability to connect with people who are DNA matches
* Offers health test
* Chromosome browser feature
* Physical traits feature
[https://www.ancestry.com/dna AncestryDNA]
* Autosomal
* Ability to connect with people who are DNA matches
* Physical traits feature
[http://dnaconsultants.com/ DNA Consulting]
* STR markers (form of autosomal)
* Y-DNA (25 markers)
* mtDNA
[https://www.familytreedna.com/ FamilyTree DNA]
* Autosomal
* mtDNA (with maternal Haplogroup)
* Y-DNA (37 markers through 111 markers with paternal Haplogroup)
* Ability to connect with people who are DNA matches
* Chromosome browser feature
[https://livingdna.com/ancestry Living DNA]
*Autosomal (with paternal and maternal Haplogroups)
*no tree feature at this time
[https://www.myheritage.com/dna MyHeritage]
* Autosomal
* Ability to connect with people who are DNA matches
* Chromosome browser feature


== Public DNA Databases ==
== Public DNA Databases ==
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*[http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/ Your Genetic Genealogist]. This Blog strives to make the subject of genetic genealogy accessible and understandable for the non-scientist. Written by CeCe Moore, a professional genetic genealogist and experienced personal genomics consumer.  
*[http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/ Your Genetic Genealogist]. This Blog strives to make the subject of genetic genealogy accessible and understandable for the non-scientist. Written by CeCe Moore, a professional genetic genealogist and experienced personal genomics consumer.  
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/03guillaume/ Autosomal DNA Facebook group]. Great place to learn more about your autosomal DNA results.
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/03guillaume/ Autosomal DNA Facebook group]. Great place to learn more about your autosomal DNA results.
== Disclaimer  ==
'''Neither The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor FamilySearch International is associated in any way with any DNA study. As a non-profit organization, FamilySearch cannot recommend a specific DNA-testing company to you.'''


[[Category:Genetic_Research]]
[[Category:Genetic_Research]]
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