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Ancient DNA
DNA samples obtained from ancient biological remains (such as bones, teeth and hairs from many year old graves) are referred to as ancient DNA. VITA-MED offers nuclear short tandem repeat (STR) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis for resolving paternity cases where the biological remains are still available from a deceased parent. The analysis of ancient DNA can also be used for relationship/kinship testing.
Currently there are two genetic methods used to determine if you are related to a possible ancestor, whether living or deceased - mtDNA sequencing and Y-chromosome STR (Y-STR) analysis. Utilizing both methods VITA-MED can determine the most recent common ancestor (MRCA).
Males can now find out if another male is a descendent from their paternal grandfather's paternal side based on Y-STR tests. The Y-chromosome is paternally inherited from father to son. It is passed from father to son as an exact copy with the exception of small mutations/changes in the DNA. Since these changes accumulate over the generations, a father and son have the most similar Y chromosome DNA sequences as compared to more distantly related males.
Similarly, females can now find out if another person is descended through their maternal grandmother's maternal side based on mtDNA tests. mtDNA is maternally inherited from the mother to her children. mtDNA passes from a mother to all of her children, without any contribution from the father. mtDNA stays intact over many generations with the exception of a few mutations/changes in the DNA. These characteristics make mtDNA useful for identifying people who belong to the same female line.
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