Merrill DNA Genealogy

Y-Chromosome DNA Genealogy

Deane Merrill

18 August 2007

DNA analysis can confirm or disprove pedigrees based on paper records. Particularly useful for verifying paternal lines is Y‑chromosome DNA ("Y-DNA"), which is passed down (almost) unchanged from father to son. Mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down along from mother to daughter, is a separate topic not discussed here.

What can be learned from Y-DNA?

Were it not for randomly occurring mutations, all human males would have the same Y- DNA. Mutations occur only rarely, which allows one to determine ancestry. All males having identical or nearly identical Y-DNA must have had a common male ancestor within the last few thousand years or so. However, males having the same surname may not have similar Y-DNA for two reasons: (1) DNA does not reflect non-paternity events such as name changes, adoptions and illegitimate births (2) surnames did not come into general use until about 500 years ago, long after the common ancestor. Furthermore, even males having a common ancestor within the last few thousand years will have slightly different DNA due to random mutations.

In summary:

Similar Y-DNA proves common ancestry in the paternal line.

Males of the same surname do not necessarily have similar Y-DNA.

Minor Y-DNA variations can confirm or disprove pedigrees based on paper records.

How can I get started?

For a living male, a Y-chromosome DNA test for genealogy purposes can be done for under $200 in less than two weeks. The markers that are tested have no biological or medical significance. Results are confidential. Anonymous Y-DNA results for several thousand males are presently available on line, identified by surname. You can optionally choose to make your results (your DNA results, your identity and your pedigree) public. Internet discussion groups, organized by surname, permit related persons to share results and confirm their pedigrees.

Interpretation

There are about 15 human Y-DNA haplogroups. These are subpopulations having specific genetic mutations that occurred up to 60,000 years ago. Broad prehistoric migrations have been traced by determining the prevalence of individual haplogroups is specific geographic regions. Within each haplogroup, teams of researchers are studying when and where more recent mutations occurred. The most recent mutations, occurring during the last 500 years or so, can be associated with particular family surnames by using traditional genealogical methods.

G Haplogroup Y-DNA Analysis

Merrill DNA Genealogy

External Links

Genealogical DNA Test, Wikipedia

DNA Heritage (DNAH)

Sample certificate (for Deane Merrill, 10 Feb 2006)

Modify as follows to conform with ISFG nomenclature (Dec 2007)

DYS441=13+1=14; DYS442=11+2=13; DYS452=6+19=25;

DYS463=20+2=22; GATA A10=12+2=14: GATA H4.1=12+10=22.

changes in DNAH Heritage nomenclature, Dec 2007

Family Tree DNA

Sample certificate (for Dave Merrell)