Description
Detailed Description
This paternal ancestry Y-DNA test analyzes short tandem repeat (STR) markers on the Y chromosome (Y-DNA). This allows tracing the ancestry of direct paternal lineage (father’s, father’s, father’s…paternal lineage).
Y-DNA STR markers are useful for tracing recent ancestral events. Y-DNA STR tests can be used for forensic applications, investigating relationships, tracing distant male relatives who may have descended from the same paternal lineage and identifying links to famous people. It is a simple test that can provide you with rich information about your paternal lineage.
Important! This test can only be taken by MALES, as only males have Y-DNA. Females wishing to trace their own paternal lineage must test the Y-DNA of a direct male line relative.
Select from the following options:
- Standard Test: 20 STR markers
- Advanced Test: 44 STR markers
- Premium Test: 101 STR markers. This provides the highest resolution and most precise TMRCA calculation.
Upgrade Options: A cost-efficient upgrade option is available. You can start by taking the Standard Test. If this region does not provide a high enough resolution, there is an option to upgrade to the Advanced Test or the Premium Test.
Combo Ancestry Test: Men can also analyze their maternal ancestry using mitochondrial DNA. If you would like to concurrently trace both maternal and paternal ancestry take the DNA Ancestry Test – 2 Test Combo.
The Genetics
What is Y-DNA?
Y-DNA refers to the DNA on the male sex chromosome – the Y chromosome. We each have 23 pairs of chromosomes: 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and two sex chromosomes – the X and Y chromosomes.
Females inherit an X chromosomes from each parent (but no Y chromosome), while males inherit an X chromosome from their mother and a Y chromosome from their father. Very little recombination (mixing) occurs between the X and Y chromosomes in males, hence the Y-DNA essentially remains unchanged through the paternal line, providing an incredibly useful way to trace paternal ancestry.
What is the Y-DNA STR test?
The Y-DNA STR test analyzes markers in the Y chromosome known as STRs or ‘short tandem repeats’.
STR markers are short segments of DNA (2-13 nucleotides in length), which are repeated multiple times. STR analyses measure the exact number of repeat units. The number of repeats differs between individuals because STRs change frequently. Closely related individuals will have similar Y-DNA STR profiles compared to those that do not belong to the same paternal line.
Methods and analysis of Y-DNA STR testing:
The Y-DNA STR Marker determines the number of repeats at each marker tested – either 20, 44 or 101 markers, depending on the requested analysis.
When two individuals take the Y-DNA STR marker test, their STR numbers can be compared to see if there is a match. The confidence with which the Y-DNA STR test can predict a relationship between two individuals increases as more STR markers are tested.
A calculation called “TMRCA” (time to most recent common ancestor) can be performed to estimate how many generations ago the two males likely shared a common paternal ancestor. Comparing more Y-DNA STR markers will provide a higher stringency comparison and a more precise TMRCA calculation.
Discover More
Bring your ancestry research to the next levels with four powerful complimentary DNA databases:
DNA Reunion Database
Search for long lost family lines. Ideal for genealogists looking to expand their family tree and confirm or refute family legends, individuals looking for their biological parents and family members separated by adoption or other reasons (e.g. war).
Indigenous DNA Database
Determine which indigenous groups are most similar to your DNA type.
DNA Haplogroups Database
Trace you ancestry back over 100,000 years to its ancient roots in Africa.
Famous DNA Database
Compare your DNA to royalty, famous or notable people in history. Profiles include Marie Antoinette, Genghis Khan, Nicholas Copernicus, King Richard III and more.
How it Works
STEP 1.ORDER YOUR KIT: Purchase your kit online.
STEP 2. COLLECT & SEND
Quick and painless DNA sample collection in the comfort of your own home. Mail your sample back to our lab for testing.
STEP3. VIEW RESULTS
Receive your results by mail or email, or view online.
