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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Tracing Your Ancestry Through DNA


Kimberly Powell

Popularized in recent years by its use in high-profile criminal investigations and paternity cases, DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, is most commonly used to prove a relationship to an individual. New tests created in recent years, however, have also turned DNA into a popular tool for determining ancestry. As DNA is passed down from one generation to the next, some parts remain almost unchanged, while other parts change greatly. This creates an unbreakable link between generations and it can be of great help in reconstructing our family histories.
While it can't provide you with your entire family tree or tell you who your ancestors are, DNA testing can:

*Determine if two people are related

*Determine if two people descend from the same ancestor

*Find out if you are related to others with the same surname

*Prove or disprove your family tree research

*Provide clues about your ethnic origin


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