Learning about DNA basics can help you understand your complex genetic story—your DNA connections to people and places as well as inherited traits.
Selecting a DNA Testing Kit
Thinking about learning more about yourself with a DNA testing kit? There are a few things to consider. From the type of test, to privacy, to what taking the test involves, here are a few of the top factors in choosing a DNA testing kit.
Featured AncestryDNA® Articles
Reading Your Ethnicity Estimate
DNA ethnicity estimates are reports that use DNA testing to provide information about a person's ancestry and ethnicity. AncestryDNA® analyzes a person's genetic makeup and compares it to reference populations from various regions around the world to estimate the person's genetic ancestry.
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No one person discovered DNA. Instead, many scientists uncovered more and more about DNA from 1869-1953, until it culminated in the discovery of the famous double helix. It is considered one of the most important scientific discoveries in modern times, leading to the development of modern molecular biology.
Read more about DNA Discovery
How does AncestryDNA® test differ from other DNA tests?
AncestryDNA® uses an autosomal DNA test that surveys a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations. It covers both the maternal and paternal sides of the family tree, so it covers all lineages. AncestryDNA® has a significantly enhanced personalized site experience with interactive tools and features to make your family history search even easier.
Read more about AncestryDNA®
There are multiple types of DNA tests. The three most common are Y-DNA testing, autosomal DNA testing, and mitochondrial DNA testing, (mtDNA testing). To understand the differences between these tests, it can help to know how DNA is organized.
Learn more about DNA Tests
All About DNA
DNA 101
- What is DNA?
- DNA Facts
- Double Helix
- DNA Function
- Where is DNA Found?
- What is DNA Made Of?
- DNA Structure
- DNA Molecule
- Cells
- Chromosomes
- Proteins
- Heritability
DNA History
Genetic Testing
How does it work?
- AncestryDNA® Test Accuracy
- How Does AncestryDNA® Work?
- How Is AncestryDNA® Different?
- Family Tree + DNA Together
- DNA & Genetic Genealogy
- Other Common Questions About AncestryDNA®
- Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplants
How do I understand my results?
Going Beyond AncestryDNA®
What makes you, you? Learn how certain characteristics may be passed down in your DNA.
Ancestry® Family History Learning Hub
Learn how to find generations of your family and their stories on Ancestry®.
Curious but not sure where to start? Find insights, inspiration, and inroads to help you make your own discoveries.
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
Featured Articles
Featured Articles
What to expect from your AncestryDNA test results
If you’re not sure what to expect, here is a quick run-down on several of the features you can look forward to.
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How does AncestryDNA work
You may know that AncestryDNA can tell you about your family history using nothing more than a small saliva sample. But exactly how do we do it?
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Counting cousins—explaining second, third, and fourth cousins.
What do people mean when they say “fourth cousin,” or “third cousin twice removed”?
Take a look…
How AncestryDNA Can Take You Beyond the Adoption Registry
If you hit a dead end with an adoption registry, an AncestryDNA® test could be a good next step.
Take a look…
Featured Articles
Featured Articles
What to expect from your AncestryDNA test results
If you’re not sure what to expect, here is a quick run-down on several of the features you can look forward to.
Take a look...
How does AncestryDNA work
You may know that AncestryDNA can tell you about your family history using nothing more than a small saliva sample. But exactly how do we do it?
Take a look…
Counting cousins—explaining second, third, and fourth cousins.
What do people mean when they say “fourth cousin,” or “third cousin twice removed”?
Take a look…
How AncestryDNA Can Take You Beyond the Adoption Registry
If you hit a dead end with an adoption registry, an AncestryDNA® test could be a good next step.
Take a look…
Getting Started with AncestryDNA®
Getting Started with AncestryDNA®
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DNA 101
DNA History
Genetic Testing
Glossary
DNA 101
DNA History
Genetic Testing
Glossary
DNA 101
DNA History
Genetic Testing
Glossary
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Discovery
How does it work?
How do I understand my results?
Discovery
How does it work?
How do I understand my results?
Inherited Traits Continued
Inherited Traits Continued
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Inherited Traits Continued
Inherited Traits Continued
Inherited Traits
Inherited Traits Continued
Inherited Traits Continued