Ancestry.com DNA

AncestryDNA is the leader in DNA testing. It has the world’s largest consumer DNA database. Some of the features that are offered the AncestryDNA test require a person to have an Ancestry.com subscription. It is entirely possible to get useful information from an AncestryDNA test without being subscribed to Ancestry.com (but having a subscription is helpful).

AncestryDNA is a cutting edge DNA testing service that utilizes some of the latest autosomal testing technology to revolutionize the way you discover your family history. It combines advanced DNA science with the world’s largest online family history resource (Ancestry.com) to predict your genetic ethnicity and to help you find new family connections.

The AncestryDNA test uses microarray-based autosomal DNA testing. Autosomal DNA is a term that describes the DNA which is inherited from the autosomal chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.

A person inherits autosomal DNA from both of their parents. The sex chromosomes are inherited differently. A person will always receive one X chromosome from their mother. A person will receive either an X chromosome, or a Y chromosome, from their father.

An autosomal DNA test can be taken by either men or women because both have autosomal chromosomes. It is a gender neutral test. AncestryDNA looks at a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations. The test covers both the maternal and paternal sides of your family tree.

The AncestryDNA test typically costs $99 (but may cost a bit less once in a while if they are having a sale). That price does not include the cost of shipping. The test requires you to provide a saliva sample. You also must create an account at AncestryDNA. An email will be sent to notify you when your results are ready. It takes about six to eight weeks to get the results.

The AncestryDNA test can tell you information about your genetic ethnicity. It also estimates and identifies potential DNA matches and can link you to other people who have taken the AncestryDNA test whose results connect to yours. The test can provide new discoveries about your family’s past, to your cultural roots, and may confirm information that you have placed onto your family tree.

It is suggested that people who use the AncestryDNA test also get a subscription to Ancestry.com. You can link your Ancestry.com family tree to your AncestryDNA results. People who have both an Ancestry.com subscription and results from an AncestryDNA test can make use of a feature called New Ancestor Discovery. It can identify people who share your DNA and who you might be related to.

Another feature of AncestryDNA is that it show you a breakdown of your ethnicity. It covers 26 ethnic regions from around the world. The results can include “Trace Regions” where you have only a small percentage of genetic ethnicity from that region. These results can give you clues about your heritage and the countries that your ancestors may have come from.