The PARRY One-Name Study
DNA Research
DNA is increasingly being used as a tool to aid genealogy. This "genetic genealogy" is based on the fact that certain DNA is passed down from one generation to the next virtually unchanged. By comparing the DNA of two individuals, it should be possible to identify whether they both descend from the same ancestor.
There are several types of DNA. The important one for surname research is the Y-DNA, which is found on the Y chromosome. Only males carry this chromosome, which is passed down from fathers to their sons. The descent of this DNA therefore mirrors the passage of surnames in many countries. Unfortunately, the absence of the Y chromosome in females does mean that they need to find a male member of their Parry family to take the test.
The DNA is collected by a simple cheek swab. It is then analysed and the results produced are in the form of a series of numbers. These indicate the number of times particular portions of genetic code are repeated at certain locations (or "markers"). It is these strings of numbers which are then compared when checking to see if two individuals descend from the same family.
There are several companies involved in the testing of DNA for genealogical purposes, with tests varying in price and in the number and location of the markers tested. People wishing to take a test should investigate these for themselves in order to obtain the test that best suits their own interests and purposes. However, for the surname research, it is important that results can easily be compared to other people so please consider testing as part of one of the projects that have been set up. Information about the projects can be found below.
The other types of DNA, such as mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA, are of less use for genealogical research. These are carried by both males and females. The autosomal DNA is the random mix of DNA we receive from our parents, which determines our identity. Because of the randomness of the recombination of chromosomes, even siblings will have different mixes of autosomal DNA. The mitochodrial DNA is passed from mothers to their children. Whilst all children receive this DNA from their mothers, only the daughters pass it on to their own children. This means the mitochondrial DNA is passed down through the direct female line only, a line of constantly changing surnames. It is possible to identify the sequence of the DNA either at particular coding regions or with an analysis of the full sequence. Whilst a match of the coding regions does indicate a common ancestor, it is likely to be in a timescale well beyond that of genealogical research. A full sequence test may also reveal information which is medically relevant and therefore the possible implications of this should be considered before taking such a test.
More information about genetic genealogy can be found through the links at the bottom of the page.
On this page:
Parry ONS Home Page
Parry Surname Research Home Page
Top
The Parry DNA project
The Parry DNA project is a surname project set up with the company "Family Tree DNA". It began in October 2007 and currently has results from one participant. A general fund has been established so that any individuals wishing to contribute to the cost of DNA tests for other Parrys may do so. Although results from tests carried out at other companies cannot be submitted to the project, Family Tree DNA runs two databases, ysearch and mitosearch, where such results can be submitted. This allows comparisons of the DNA results from different companies to be carried out.
Important: Discounts on the tests are available for project members. Please use the Parry surname project Join page when ordering your test, in order to receive the reduced prices.
Top
The Parry DNA Group
The Parry DNA Group on Ancestry has been set up to encourage discussion and collaboration between Parrys interested in DNA testing. Although Ancestry do run their own DNA tests, results can also be submitted manually, so people who have tested with other companies may also join the group.
Top
Summary of the DNA findings
There are currently Y-DNA results from two Parry families, one from Anglesey and one from Herefordshire. They do not match each other, although both are in the haplogroup R1b (a haplogroup commonly found in Western Europe). There are also results from two mitochondrial DNA tests - one result is haplogroup J*, the other is H1.
More information will be posted here as more people test.
Top
Useful Links
ISOGG - The International Society of Genetic GenealogyCharles Kerchner's introduction to genetics and genealogy
Top
Parry ONS Home Page
Parry Surname Research Home Page
Copyright © Barbara Griffiths 2002-2008
Last amended: 17 August 2008