DNA Genealogy

The next time you are watching your favoritenext. In the passing, some parts of the DNA
CSI TV show or a particular movie and stumbleremain almost completely unchanged, while other
into the fascinating world of DNA, you might beparts change dramatically. This property allows for
surprised to know that our DNA can do morethe identification of certain consistencies between
than identify a suspect or victim at a crime scene.generations and provides the ability to identify
In fact, DNA is now being used to identifygenetic relationships.There are two types of DNA
ancestors in the new and exciting field of DNAtests available for testing DNA Genealogy:
Genealogy.DNA Genealogy takes traditionalMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome
genealogy and applies genetics to it. DNADNA tests.Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is found in
Genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNAthe cytoplasm of the cell instead of in the nucleus
testing to determine the level of geneticas is Y-chromosome (Tracing 2003). mtDNA is
relationship between two individuals (Genealogicalpassed by a mother to both her male and female
2005). DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, is used in thechildren without any additions or mixing from the
process because of its unique nature and the factfather.
that it is passed down from one generation to the