FAQ

What is Ancient DNA?

Samples are retrieved from archaelogical digs (e.g. a tooth from human remains) and the DNA is scanned in a complex process aligning the data with the human genome. Samples which are of high quality can then be processed as Ancient DNA samples.

What is Autosomal DNA?

Autosomal DNA is a term used in genetic genealogy to describe DNA which is inherited from the autosomal chromosomes. An autosome is any of the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (the X chromosome and the Y chromosome)

What is Y-DNA?

A Y chromosome DNA test (Y-DNA test) is a genealogical DNA test which is used to explore a man's patrilineal or direct father's-line ancestry. The Y chromosome, like the patrilineal surname, passes down virtually unchanged from father to son.

What is mt-DNA?

Our mitochondrial DNA accounts for a small portion of our total DNA. It contains just 37 of the 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes in our body. But it is notably distinct from DNA in the nucleus. Unlike nuclear DNA, which comes from both parents, mitochondrial DNA comes only from the mother.

Where do ancient samples come from?

Answer

The genealogical and bioformatic companies collect and process samples from various public sources including for example the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) where raw SRA files are available.

What DNA tests do I need to take in order to get my results?

Answer

Any of the following tests listed below. Autosomal DNA test is the cheapest, followed by the Y-DNA test being in the mid-range price, while the mtDNA and the Whole Genome tests are the most expensive. Y-DNA tests can only be taken by males because most females don't have the Y chromosome. However, a brother, father, paternal uncle or paternal grandfather can take it, and a female can compare her autosomal or mtDNA results with them for clarification. The mtDNA test can be taken by both males and females.

• Autosomal DNA testing is the most basic test and starting point
• Whole Genome testing maps your entire genome and is the best test available
• Y-DNA testing tells you your all male line haplogroup
• mtDNA testing tells you your all female line haplogroup

Where can I get my DNA tested?

Answer

The following companies can all cary out DNA tests:

Ancestry

Nebula Genomics

23andMe

MyHeritage

FamilyTree DNA

LivingDNA

DanteLabs

For your ancient ancestry match results, you will need to extract information of your DNA from any of the companies mentioned above, and then upload the file to MyTrueAncestry.com