DAY DNA PROJECT

Go to Results Table

Objective of DNA Testing.

The object of the project is to use the results of testing in conjunction with existing paper records in trying to prove (or disprove) a theory or connection between two males with the same or similar surname. This can also be expanded to compare many males with the same surname and this is a further objective of this group. Some of the results likely to be achieved are:

  1. Identify related members of a DAY family
  2. Prove or disprove theories regarding ancestors
  3. Breaking down a brick wall in your research
  4. Locate an area for further research or investigation
  5. Confirm or disprove existing research

What is DNA Testing

The project is only concerned with the Y-chromosome. This can only be found in the male and is carried from our father who in turn received it from his father and so on. It can remain unchanged for many generations. For those of you who wish to learn more a very good tutorial can be found at http://www.dnaheritage.com/tutorial1.asp

Procedure for Testing

There are several firms that can be used for testing and you are free to use whoever you decide. The Project Group does have an arrangement with Family Tree DNA, which means you can take advantage of the special rates offered to us, but this is not a prerequisite. The test is very simple and takes only a few minutes.

DNA Used for Testing

Most of the DNA in our bodies is termed ‘junk DNA’. It is non-coding (isn’t used for making proteins) and thus does not control medical function but is probably involved in genomic organisation. Genetic genealogy only looks at the markers within junk DNA and thus the Y-DNA test cannot derive any medical information.

Proceed to Testing

As previously explained you are free to test wherever you wish but should you like to visit the project’s designated tester it can be found at http://www.familytreedna.com or you can apply for a testing kit http://www.familytreedna.com/(5st55t55kdcfkzare5nltv55)/surname_det.aspx?group=Day

Test Results

As test results are received you have the opportunity to post them on a free web site such as http://www.ysearch.org/lastname_lastname.asp?uid=&lastname=Day&searchtype=exact&region=&submit=Search . Similar details are also published on the next page and will be updated as further results become available. Identities will only be published with the consent of the person concerned.

Interpreting the Results

This is best explained by a series of questions and answers in the simplest form. Anyone looking to study the subject in depth should join GENEALOGY-DNA-L@rootsweb.com .

                    Q What does the result represent?

A The results represent your allele position for the number of positions tested on the Y chromosome.

                    Q Are these results unique?

A They are not unique to an individual but to a family group having the same or a similar surname. Where an allele matches perfectly then it almost certain there is a link between the persons tested. The matching should only be carried out with people with the same or similar surname.

Q What does it mean if they do not match?

A This depends on the number of mismatches. One or two mismatches could still mean a connection but with three and over it is unlikely.

Q How do I calculate when the link occurred?

A This is known as the TMRCA (Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor). This cannot be calculated with any accuracy but should anyone be interested I can arrange for this to be calculated.

Q What is Haplotype?

A This is a series of markers used to define the location of the individual ie European, Asian etc. For anybody interested go to http://www.ystr.org/index_mkl.html and enter your details.

 

For Table of Y-Chromosome results see the following page

 

Further Information

Should anybody have further information that they feel should be included – (I do not claim to be an expert) please contact the Project Administrator at daygenealogy@blueyonder.co.uk .

There is also a mailing list that is completely dedicated to the DAY DNA Project and this is called DAY-DNA-L. To join send an email to DAY-DNA-L-request@rootsweb.com with the single word subscribe in the message subject and body.