Hiring a DNA Testing Company
Several DNA projects are being conducted throughout the world. A few are listed below in alphabetical order. Other DNA research organizations can be found on the Internet by using a search engine, such as Google, with the words "Genealogy DNA". Contact each organization for additional information.
- Family Tree DNA
- Kerchner DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy
- Sorenson Genomics
- Oxford Ancestors http://www.oxfordancestors.com/
- World Families Network
- Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (formerly sponsored by Brigham Young University)
The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to building the world's foremost collection of DNA and corresponding genealogical information. SMGF is making some information available on their web site. Finding matching DNA results and pedigrees in the Sorenson Database can help you make new family connections throughout the world and across generations.The Foundation is a world leader in DNA research with direct application to genealogy. Their work complements other studies that focus on the "deep ancestry" of humankind.
DNA research is based on the 46 chromosomes that every human being has (with few exceptions). The gender determining chromosomes are X from the mother and either X or Y from the father. If X from the father, the child is female and if Y from the father the child is male. The Y-chromosome can be traced from father to son to son and so on. The mother has a mtDNA which is something of an energy source for the cells. All children of one mother have the same mtDNA as do all children of that mother's daughters, though not of her sons since mtDNA can't be passed by men. Since the mutation of chromosomes is very slow the study of the Y-chromosome or the mtDNA trail forms the basis of the DNA genealogy.
Neither The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor the Family History Library is associated in any way with any DNA studies.