Tracing the migration of your ancestors

I recently participated in the National Geographic's Genographic Project. I found the experience interesting, informative and fun to do. The May 2005 National Geographic magazine describes the project in this way:

"National Geographic and IBM are embarking on a groundbreaking research project . . . that will help us 'map' the history of human migration from its earliest origins to the places we live today. And you can be part of it. Ultimately, the findings will enhance our understanding of humanity: who we are, where we came from, and how our individual genetic families relate to the rest of the human race. As a participant in the Genographic Project, you'll even be able to trace the journey of your ancestors over the past 50,000 years. To find our more or to order your own Genographic Participation Kit, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic."

When I read this, the inquisitive, exploring scientist side of me couldn't resist learning where my earliest ancestors came from, and I sent for the kit. One of NG's prime goals in the Genographic Project is obtaining DNA from indigenous peoples. For others like me the kit costs about $100. The project is well organized and easy to participate in.

After I received the kit, I took scrapings on two different days from the inside of my cheeks and inserted them into vials, which I sent in the envelope included with the kit to the laboratory. Using the identification number assigned to me, I could track the status of my samples on the Internet. I received the final results about two months after I mailed my samples in.

SOME SCIENCE BACKGROUND FROM A NON-SCIENTIST

The Genographic Project traced the migration routes of my female ancestors using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. MtDNA is different from nuclear DNA, the kind used in forensic law that you read about when a prisoner is exonerated from being the perpetrator of a crime. Nuclear DNA is responsible for traits such as eye and hair color received through our parents. Fathers and mothers equally pass on the spiral-shaped nuclear DNA to their children.

Mitochondria are found inside cells, but outside the cell nuclei where the nuclear DNA is housed. Mitochondria are responsible for helping cells use oxygen to produce energy. Inside each mitochondrion is a minute piece of DNA formed in a circle. Offspring receive this mitochondrial DNA only from their mothers. All the children of a mother and the descendents through the matrilineal line will have the same mtDNA as the mother, except in the rare cases when a mutation of the mtDNA that can be passed on to descendents occurs. When a mutation happens and is matrilineally passed on, a new mtDNA grouping called a haplogroup is created. MtDNA readings can be used to determine lineage to a common female ancestor.

To better understand the science being used to determine genetic ancestry, I recommend the book, "The Seven Daughters of Eve," by Bryan Sykes. Sykes, an Oxford University authority on DNA and human evolution, writes with a sense of humor and makes the science accessible and understandable to non-scientists.

MY RESULTS

My mtDNA puts me in Haplogroup H. The Genographic results depict my female ancestors living and migrating in the following way:

-The common female ancestor of all living humans, was born in east Africa150,000 years ago. She has been classified in Haplogroup L3. L3 gave rise to Haplogroup N 80,000 years ago.

-N migrated to the Middle East. Haplogroup R descended from Haplogroup N.

- R moved along the eastern edge of the Black Sea into Europe. Haplogroup H was the first haplogroup to emerge from R.

-H moved into Europe. Professor Sykes places the origins of Haplogroup H in Europe in France.

-The Genographic map shows H ending up at the southern edge of the Baltic Sea in the area of Prussia or Pomerania in Germany and Poland. This is very interesting since it agrees with what little I know about my ancestors. Biographical information I have on my maternal grandmother indicates this is the area where she was born.

-The results could change as the database acquires more data.

WHAT MY RESULTS MEAN TO MY RELATIVES

Because my results are based on my mtDNA and descendents from the same matrilineage have the same mtDNA, those relatives descended matrilineally from my grandmother have the same results I have unless the mtDNA of they or their mothers had a mutation.

After mtDNA was established for tracing migration through matrilineal lineage, scientists developed a Y-DNA testing of patrilineal descent. I hope that one of my brothers or one of their sons participates in the Genographic Project to get the patrilineal migration of male ancestors of my father. Tracing of the patrilineal migration does not go as far back as that of the matrilineal migration.

GENEALOGY SITE

The Genographic Project traces migration routes, not family genealogy. However, after I accessed my information from the National Geographic site, I had the opportunity to upload my DNA information to the Family Tree DNA site (https://www.familytreedna.com/default.asp). I haven't had time to evaluate the site and its resources yet.