DNA Explained

DNA research is widely used to identify and analyze practically all living or once living things. It is probably best known as a forensic tool used to positively connect certain evidence from a crime scene to a particular person. Lately DNA is becoming better known for it's relationships with diseases and other medical issues, as well as for anthropological and for genealogical research.

Because there are literally billions of different DNA bits in each of us, finding and analyzing any of it can be difficult. As a result, there are several different types of DNA testing, each designed to maximize the results for the different types of questions DNA can reveal. Although the raw material for just about all DNA tests is gathered the same simple way, usually and unintrusive cheek swab, the actual tests themselves differ somewhat, depending on what is actually being looked for. In the case of most genealogical testing, the data sought is from a set of specific DNA locations, called markers, known to be stable and shared, at least to some extent. This sort of data (something like a 'genetic' fingerprint) can then be compared to other similar tests, with other persons of similar origins, such as siblings and parents or other relatives, for a "match" which can with analysis, perhaps lead to determining relationships.

Even within just the relatively narrow field of genealogy there are several different types of DNA tests available, each designed with different goals of discovery, not achievable with a single type of test. Each of these is looking for a different result and each comes with it's own sets of advantages and it's own set of disadvantages. In the last few years DNA testing has become widely available and affordable and as such a unique and important tool for the genealogist. There are now several very reputable labs who do this specifically for genealogy as well as groups who have organized for unique family projects, including a general Jam?son family project.

By far the most popular use of DNA testing is to gain insight in to one's own general sense of ethnicity. Although this sort of result is reported with each different type of DNA test result, it really isn't a very reliable or accurate use of DNA. This kind of result is more statistical than scientific and made from what is called an "admixture" analysis where certain 'clusters' of DNA existence is based on knowledge of other similar certain clusters found in tests from people known to be from certain geographical areas. So, any ethnically results are based on percentages within certain individual databases, none of which are yet large or universal enough to be considered rock solid accurate.

There are several types of DNA testing useful for family history and genealogy research, these are:

Any of these DNA tests can be expected to give some success for at least recent genealogical relationships and for ethnic ancestry. However, for our purposes on this website - determining the historical patriarchal lineage and especially the verifiable grouping of and within this Jam?son family - Y-DNA testing is the best use of genetic testing. The Y-DNA chromosome found in living male descendants is basically identical with his direct line male ancestors and for thousands of generations.

The limitation however, is that Y-DNA testing can only be used to connect a male descendant (only men have the Y chromosome and that chromosome is only passed down intact [inherited] from father to son, etc.) with any number of other male persons, of any age, across any location and any time. It is a serious and complicated science, which can be easily used and completely trusted by the genealogist and perfect for the type of testing we want so as to establish this particular Jameson family.

- to see our Jameson Family YDNA Project results.

Please get involved and join our effort to better understand how our Jameson family, or any Jam?son family, fits genetically. The more people tested the better we will all know about our individual families. Or you can contact us for more information and help.