DNA ancestry testing kits have finally been able to help people figure out where they came from. Given how prevalent and affordable the testing has become, anyone can now use the testing to find out where their ancestors came from to better learn about their heritage, ethnicity, place of origin and more.
The process of this testing is carefully outlined below and to highlight how the tests can be used to explain our history.
1. Compare DNA to Ancestors
The DNA testing is done by taking a profile of your DNA. To obtain the sample, the company will send its participants a sampling kit where they will need to mail back a vile of their saliva to gather its data.
Once the company carefully assesses your unique genetic make-up, it will upload and compare the profile to others in its system. For a modern DNA testing company like CRI Genetics, there will be many profiles in their sophisticated system. Based on this ancestral comparison, the company will then be able to identify where your matches have come from to better let you know where your ethnicity is based in.
2. Identify Region
Based on the genetic profile that your genes make up, the company will use the information to figure out the region that your ancestors came from. It is important to note that the accuracy and depth of this analysis can differ depending on the company that is used, so those interested in the profiling test should be careful to select a reputable company.
Regardless of the accuracy, all centres will compare the submitted profile to others in their database. Based on the highest matches, the individual will be able to see where others share similar traits.
3. Find Current Relatives
Another reason why it is so important to complete the assessment is because you will be able to find current relatives and given an opportunity to connect with them. This is possible seeing as the company will have access to all of the individuals that completed a testing kit with them. This gives the company access to all of their participants genetic profiles, which may be a close match when compared to you.
Based off this comparison, the DNA testing company will notify you of any potential matches that come up indicating that you may be a distinct or close relative. If you both agree to connect with one another, it can allow long family members the ability to re-connect and find members they didn’t know of before. This is ideal for individuals that may not have very much information about their relatives as it can give them an opportunity to find others that are closely related.
4. Compare Physical Traits
Another aspect of the testing is that it will be able to complete a physical comparison to identify where in the world your ancestors came from. This is possible seeing as the testing kits will apply a genetic profile to others in the world. This genetic profile is important because it contains genetic markers that can impact the way that a person looks. The markers carry certain gene patterns that have been linked to cause certain physical features to appear.
This can help to identify the exact region that your ancestors have come from as it will match you to others that carry this pattern. This can be an informative way for potential parents to understand more about how their genes will pass onto their child to explain why certain traits are common and where the marker is from that you carry.