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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2003-01 > 1041785152
From:
Subject: Re: [DNA] Genetics for Idiots
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 11:45:52 EST
In a message dated 01/04/03 8:09:55 PM Pacific Standard Time,
writes:
> Does anyone know of a book on Genetics that one could read , that would be
> understood by an old lady?
> I'm afraid that if I get my brother tested , I won't understand the
> results. <G>
I think the very best way to learn about DNA testing for genealogy is to
study the web sites for various surname projects. The project coordinators
have all gone through the same learning curve, and they all have different
ways of presenting the background science. Sometimes one way of wording
things will click with you (maybe on the second go-around, after you've read
some material on another web site!) There are hundreds of projects listed at
Chris Pomery's web site
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~allpoms/genetics1a.html
For starters, take a look at the "DNA 101" section on the BLAIR web site.
Then the DUERINCK web site has lots of background material, including a
glossary. Other pages on Chris's site also have background material (click on
Portal Entrance). But don't stop at the ones I've mentioned -- there are
many, many good web sites.
A general genetics book probably wouldn't be too useful, since DNA testing
for genealogy is quite specialized. But there's a web site called "DNA from
the Beginning" which covers the general background:
http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
Nancy Custer has assembled some basic biology background which is more
targeted toward the testing techniques used for genealogy projects.
http://www.contexo.info/DNA_Basics/
Ann Turner
GENEALOGY-DNA List Administrator
>http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Miscellaneous/GENEALOGY-DNA.html
DNA preservation kits: >http://www.dnafiler.com
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