Autosomal DNA is something we can all be tested for, irrespective of gender, as it is passed from both parents, unlike Y-DNA which follows the surname (and therefore male) line, or mitochondrial DNA which follows the maternal line back. Autosomal DNA can be used to trace relationships between those with shared ancestry going back four or five generations, and is basically the new kid on the block, although a couple of other DNA companies already have tests available.
The Your Genetic Genealogist blog has updates at www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/2012/03/another-short-update-on-new-autosomal.html and www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/2012/03/ancestrycoms-autsomal-dna-launch-first.html
(With thanks to Cece Moore via http://paper.li/coriandolinmonr/1320235731)
Chris
British GENES on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES and Twitter @chrismpaton
Scotland's Greatest Story research service www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk and www.facebook.com/ScottishGenealogyResearch
Thanks for the link and the concise explanation of atDNA, Chris!
ReplyDeleteCeCe
Probably too concise! But I figure those who are interested will know what it is about, and those who aren't probably won't want to!
ReplyDeleteChris