The theory:
-
The Y-chromosone, a tiny component in our genetic make up, changes the
sex at conception of those of us who go on to be born male.
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By taking advantage of recent steps in genetic science, markers from the
Y-chromosone can help identify a connection between people who have a common
male ancestor through paternal lines
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The Y-chromosone is passed from father to son intact and more-or-less
identical
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Since surnames in our culture follow the male line, Y-chomosone testing
of people with the same surname can establish the probability of their
having the same common ancestor
Through testing of male descendants of a particular surname we can establish:
-
the probablility that they have the same common ancestor
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the probability that variant surnames are genetically linked
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the probablility that there is just one male common ancestor at the head
of our one-name study, or if, in fact, it is more probable that there are
several distinct points of origin on the male line
-
DNA Heritage’s Tutorial
(which has been
written especially for non-scientists - but is nevertheless long.)
-
DNA Heritage's FAQ
page
Further contributions would be most welcome.
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