Monthly Meeting

 From DNA to Genetic Genealogy: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

 Genealogy Beyond the Y Chromosome: Autosomes Exposed.

Presented by speaker Steve Morse.

http://www.stevemorse.org/

From DNA to Genetic Genealogy: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask

The study of genetics that started with Gregor Mendel's pea experiments in 1865 has now entered the genealogy field with Megan Smolenyak's coining of the term "genetealogy" in 2000.  To understand the genealogical aspects requires an understanding of some of the basic concepts.

This talk introduces genes, chromosomes, and DNA, and goes on to show how DNA is inherited.  That knowledge of inheritance can be used for finding relatives you didn't know you had, learning about your very distant ancestors and the route they traveled, and determining if you are a Jewish high priest (Kohan).  Examples presented include Genghis Khan's legacy, the Thomas Jefferson affair, and the Anastasia mystery.

Genealogy Beyond the Y Chromosome: Autosomes Exposed

Classical genetic genealogy deals with the Y chromosome and the mitochondrial DNA.  The Y chromosome test is for males only and traces the direct male lineage.  The mitochondrial DNA test is for everybody and traces the direct female lineage.

Recent advances in genetic genealogy make it possible to trace all lineages by testing the autosomes.  Although the autosomes can be used to find ethnic mixes as well as recent cousins, it has some limitations.