What is Y-DNA and how does it apply to genealogy ?
DNA is the basic building block for all life on Earth. In humans, DNA is organized in long, twisted strands of molecules. These strands are further combined into “packages” called chromosomes. Each human has 23 pairs of chromosomes. Half of each chromosome pair is derived from the individual’s mother, the other half from the father. The 23rd chromosome pair is the one that determines the person’s gender. In males, this pair consists of one “X” chromosome and one “Y” chromosome. Females have two “X” chromosomes. The Y chromosome is passed virtually unchanged from a father to his sons. Consequently, two males living today that share a common male ancestor could be expected to have identical Y chromosomes. The Y-DNA used for this project is based on a series of “junk” DNA sequences present on the Y chromosome. These sequences do not contain critical information needed by the human body and none of the information can be used to identify a specific individual. Testing of this portion of th
