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Genetic Genealogy Glossary
Decode DNA talk with our guide to genetic genealogy terms.
In this article:
Genetic Genealogy Terms to Know
- admixture: ancestry that originates from more than one ethnic group
- allele result: also called a marker value, the numeric value assigned to a genetic marker
- autosomal DNA: all your DNA except what's on the X and Y chromosomes
- biogeographical DNA test: an autosomal DNA test (also called an admixture test) that estimates percentages of your geographic origins
- confidence range or confidence interval: your DNA results report will show the most likely ancestry percentages (for a biogeographic test) or date an MRCA lived (for a Y-DNA test). It'll also provide a confidence range showing other possible results.
- ethnic DNA test: a Y-DNA or mtDNA test in which results are compared to databases containing DNA profiles of populations around the world for matches from particular ethnic backgrounds
- haplogroup: an identification of the genetic group your ancient ancestors (10,000 to 60,000 years ago) belonged to; sometimes referred to as your branch of the world's family tree
- haplotype: collectively, the marker values on your Y-DNA test results
- HVR, or hypervariable region: sections of mtDNA (such as HV1 and HV2) that geneticists use to determine your haplogroup
- mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): genetic material mothers pass on to their children
- MRCA, or most recent common ancestor: the most recent ancestor (such as grandparent, great-grandparent, great-great grandparent, etc.) two individuals both descend from
- mutation: any change in a person's DNA. Geneticists can use mutations in two people with closely matching DNA marker values to estimate how long ago an MRCA lived.
- recombination: the process by which chromosomes cross and switch genetic material at conception
- SNP, or single nucleotide polymorphism: harmless mutations in autosomal DNA that can indicate your biogeographic ancestry, or where in the world your ancient ancestors came from. Also called admixture markers.
- STR, or short tandem repeat: a type of DNA marker scientists can use to determine relationships between individuals
- Y-DNA: genetic material fathers pass to their sons
More on this topic: Genetic Genealogy Research Tips • Genetic Genealogy Resources • Types of Genealogy DNA Tests • Genetic Genealogy Testing Companies • Genealogy DNA Test Results Databases
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