DNA & Genealogy

"DNA & Genealogy" is very good at defining and explaining important terms like: 1) Nucleotides (A, G, C, and T base pairs) where sequences of them provide information for the creation of proteins in order to sustain life. 2) Nuclear DNA - used to trace paternal ancestry and Mitochondrial DNA - used to trace maternal ancestry. And, these can be used to do so because they are nonrecombinant, passing down virtually unchanged over thousands of years. 3) Alleles, DYS numbers, haplogroups, markers, MRCA -most recent common ancestor, STR, SNP, etc.Some other explanations in the book I think worth mentioning here are:1. Regarding the Human genome - it is a tightly wound string of DNA so long, comprising of 3,147M base pairs - it would stretch to the Sun and back.2. Most mutations have no effect except occasionally.3. Surname studies exist and the book shows where to locate them. Plus, the book describes different DNA tests which exist.4. There is a worthwhile discussion about "errors" - that looking at a sample of something, one can rationally come up with probabilities of how long the sample is removed from the original. The same reasoning could be used evaluating copies of a manuscript and of course, DNA mutations. Plus, there is a discussion about stepwise and infinite allele models for handling DNA mutations.5. Kleinfelter's syndrome is discussed - the rare existence of extra X chromosomes for some people.6. Gender-related intelligence differences are on the X chromosome - explaining why girls are generally more intelligent, but there are more boys who are retarded and more super intelligent. Hence, although the average girl IQ is equal to the average boy, the distibution is not the same. Mutations, and girls having an extra X chromosome explain the differences, which compensate for mutations. Plus, no human trait has evolved more than intelligence.7. In rare cases, mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the father.The only real negative about the book, is that it is several years old, and more is new, like new testing services, like 23andMe.Anyway, the book is a good one, for introducing a reader to the study of ancestry using DNA.

It's a good 1st step in understanding DNA

DNA & Genealogy is delightful to read! It is very well written, well organized, logical and very informative. It provides basic information necessary for understanding DNA, the history of DNA progress, a description of the practical applications, such as inherited diseases and criminal identification. The book's main emphasis, however, is on Y and Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Genealogical Surname Data Base comparisons and analysis. And, on this topic it does a really superb job of providing detailed, comprehensive data, with tables and analysis regarding haplotyes and surname test matching results, mis-matches, etc., along with information on associated web-sites and test labs. All of this is coupled with very interesting and often humorous anecdotal stories that make the complicated science of DNA & haplotypes "real" and therefore understandable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the book, particularly for those interested in Y and Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Surname Database analysis.

Just received this book, the content looks good for an overview of this science. However, the print quality is really poor. All of the text, charts and graphs are pixilated. One chart is unreadable even with a magnifying lens. The text is also thin and grey. Looks like size 2 font that was enlarged. This shouldn't stop you from purchasing the book but it's just another example of crappy quality.

This book has met my expectations and has helped me get on the road to possibly understand what my DNA tests are trying to tell me. I am not a person who easily understands numbers and what they are saying. I guess you would classify me as a literal person. This book is well written and has been a big help. I am hoping to take this book and be able to connect with other members of my various families. It is great to talk and learn about our history.

Fairly good introduction to DNA for genealogists. The science is good, but the numerous text insets intrude into the flow. Many of these inserts extend onto additional following pages, adding a little more to the interruptions into the learning process. A better choice may be Megan Smolenyak's book, "Trace Your Roots with DNA."

I was doing fine with this book until I got to this sentence, "Since Thomas Jefferson was a bachelor with no documented children..." That is just flat out wrong. With the minimal understand of DNA that I have so far, I do get that they needed a male descendent of a male child - of which there are none. But that's NOT what they said. It would have actually been a much better idea to explain why they needed a male descendent and it would have been an opportunity to reinforce some points about Y-DNA.The fact remains though that Thomas Jefferson was NOT a bachelor - and he did have "documented children". With that being so wrong I am now questioning whether the other "facts" in the book are correct.

The book is pretty simple to understand, but like anything else aboutDNA, it is outdated very quickly,almost every day. It does give you some basic information, and access to her website to get more info. There is more on Genealogy than DNA. Also, maybe its me, but some basic questions I had were not answered.

Easy Concise with the right amount of technical information. I have read many other books on the same subject. This is the best so far.

Good job on a subject that can be confusing.

Topical, sufficiently deep.

Thank you