Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree

by Mary D. Kraeszig

“Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree” (GC 929 SM77TA) by Megan S. Smolenyak and Ann Turner is an easy to use guide for genealogists interested in adding DNA studies to their arsenal of family information. Written primarily for experienced genealogists without a background in genetics, this book uses straightforward language and detailed examples to explain the concepts, practices, and interpretation of genealogical DNA testing.

Part I discusses the fundamentals of both genealogy (for new researchers) and genetics. In Part II, the authors explain the variety of DNA tests of interest to genealogists: Y-chromosome testing for the straight male line, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for the straight female line, autosomal DNA testing to determine your geographic origins, and finally, next-of-kin relationships such as paternity testing. It is important for genealogists to understand what these different types of tests can— and cannot—do to help establish your “deep” genealogy. The authors wisely provide examples of how DNA results can be disappointing, e.g., reunions of long-lost family members who turn out not to be genetically related, or learning that you are not related to anyone else in your surname project (perhaps because of an unknown adoption or extramarital liaison in the past). In Part III, the authors discuss how an individual can establish and run a family DNA project, from finding prospective cousins to participate, to interpreting and sharing genetic results. They also explain that the genetic markers currently being used for testing are “junk” DNA that is not used by our bodies to encode proteins, so genealogical genetic testing does not provide information to you (or perhaps more importantly, to anyone else) about any genetic diseases or predispositions you may have.

Helpful appendices provide the reader with links to major genealogical societies, magazines, bookstores, forms, software, and websites. A list of DNA testing companies and their products are also provided. Finally, a glossary of terms and complete index are also included to assist the reader.

Smolenyak and Turner predict that within 10-15 years, most genealogists will participate in some form of DNA testing to support (or sometimes to refute) traditional genealogical research. Their guide, “Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree,” should be on the reading list of anyone interested in participating in a genealogical DNA test as an individual or as part of a surname or group project.

Article taken from the Genealogy Gems[1]: News from the Fort Wayne Library
No. 38, April 30, 2007