Analysing DNA results

[ChrisWibs]

I used DNA testing as a long shot means of finding close relatives.
I have 67 markers tested by Genebase..I have also posted the results onto Ysearch.....
Of my 6 closest 'matches' on Genebase four were named McCracken... 40/42 markers matched ...39/42..etc
I also Have two 19/20 matches, one a Muir and the other a Buchanan.

On Ysearch I compared my results against all McCrackens (27 in all)... 8 of them resulted in a match with only one difference over tests ranging from 12 to 27 markers. Of these 8 the only difference arose on 5 individuals with marker GATA H4.
On Genebase my readings on GATA A10 was different to all the McCrackens.

When you compare results does it matter which markers are different...in other words do particular markers represent specific areas of mutation ..Do certain markers have to be the same for there to be close relative??

[nickgc]

Hi - what I would do is try to contact those with close matches who share your surname.  Those are the people who are most likely to share common ancestors within the past several generations.

Look at http://www.familytreedna.com/genetic-distance-markers.aspx

for some indications of what various "distances" suggest, and which markers have a tendency to move "most rapidly".  Google will also help in determining which gene mutations are more likely than others.

Hope this helps a bit.

Nick

[ChrisWibs]

Hello Nick

Appreciate your reply....it made me do more research...it appears, according to SMGF that I should add 1 point to FTDNA markers in respect of GATA H4...makes a big difference and of course answers the problem.   Another marker that is very problematic is DYS464c.....many people simply ignore it I gather ......

Mel W (husband of Chris !)