DNA and genetic material

Question

I missed the DNA report with Peter J Robert's last week and I have been busy with other projects that I haven't had a chance to see it on google +.

As usual, I came up with another question.  If a person took a DNA test, would the track of a missing gene show up and would it show in future generations?

Back to my little corner again.....

Answer 1

Hello Mary, DNA tests for genetic genealogy (Y-STR, mtDNA HVR1&2, Family Finder, AncestryDNA) don't show "genes" which are trackable by a common user.  Genetic genealogy DNA tests do show differences which don't have health implications.  These  differences are inherited and useful for genealogy.

If you are interested in health related aspects of genetics then I recommend testing with 23andMe and waiting for them to get FDA approval for showing reports for increased risk for certain genetic deseases.  Keep in mind that if your 22 chromosomes were the height of a 33 story building, the amount of auDNA being tested by 23andMe, Familly Finder, or Ancestry DNA would measure about 5 inches high.  I expect there are a lot of genes that don't get looked at by a 23andMe test.  Family Finder data does not contain known health related information.

Comments

Here is an example of how a doctor used 23andMe to learn more about her deafness.

http://blog.23andme.com/23andme-and-you/23andme-how-to/tracking-down-a-trait/  

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Robert, I am looking for the best possible reason for taking a DNA test.  I'm in my 60's.  Is 23 and me an easy test to take?  How does one order it?

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The best possible reason to DNA test is to find missing ancestors.  That may have just happened for me this morning with a mtDNA full sequence match   For almost 40 years I've been searching for the parents of my direct maternal line great-great-grandmother.  

I recommend you order the "Family Finder + mtDNAPlus" test at Family Tree DNA.  If you are relatively good at downloading and uploading computer files then it is better to test with 23andMe and then transfer to Family Finder.  That way you can see matches with persons who tested with either lab.  Also many expect 23andMe will eventually get FDA approval for their health related reports.

I recommed you order a Y-DNA37 test for a male relative with your father's surname.

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Thanks, Robert.  I will check it out .  I appreciate your help.

Best regards, Mary