DNA Testing

Recent developments in genetics has provided a new tool for the genealogist. DNA testing of the Y-DNA and mitochondria DNA chromosomes have given us the ability to look into the past with improved tools to locate our ancestors. This field of family history research utilizes the Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) chromosomes to prove or disprove biological connections. The Y-chromosome links the paternal line (father to son), while the mtDNA chromosome links the mother to each of her offspring (mother to sons and daughters).

The male Y-DNA is inherited from the father, who inherited his Y-DNA from his father, and so on. Our mitochondrial DNA is inherited from our mother, who inherited her mitochondrial DNA from her mother, and so on. Since our DNA changes very little from generation to generation, it is not influenced by errors in documentary evidence. This fact reduces the possibility that misinterpretation of documentary evidence could cause us to believe that the wrong individual is our ancestor. The Internet is replete with articles describing the procedure, possibilities and limitations of this recent addition to genealogical research. We also have access to some excellent books written by knowledgable researchers that explain this procedure. One of the books that impressed the writer with the possibilities of DNA testing is "Trace Your Roots with DNA" written by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and Ann Turner.

The ability of DNA testing to identify our ancestors is currently limited by the number of participants in surmane projects and the current limitation on the rate of mutation of the tested alleles, or markers. These limitations will be greatly reduced as the scientist learn more and more about genetic genealogical testing. Testing companies are currently offering many types of tests and anyone interested in participating should consult with the coordinator of the surname project that they wish to join. The Sikes/Sykes Families Association web site is a good starting point for all men with the Sikes/Sykes surname. Starting at this location will provide links to some informative articles on DNA testing and give you a better understanding of the possibilities. It also provides a link to their current DNA Project Test Results and link to the Project Coordinator. You are not required to understand genetics to participate in a surname project but an understanding will assist you in analyzing your results when comparing them to others.

You can probably see that the writer is very excited about the possibilities of this "new tool" and some are even predicting that future researchers can learn about their ancestors using computers to analyze the results of DNA testing. The writer hopes that we never see the day when the joy and excitement of the search will be totally replaced by chemistry and the computer.

Questions or Comments: Jim Sykes

Last Updated April 2007