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Post date: Feb 14, 2016 9:58:02 PM
It is a common misconception is that DNA testing companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and Family Tree DNA sequence your entire genome. This is very much NOT the case, as doing so would be an order of magnitude more expensive, without offering much in the way of any additional genealogical benefit.
There is an average of roughly 10,000,000 (ten million) SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms - genetic markers in one's DNA), and more than 3,000,000,000 (3 billion) nucleotides in the human genome. AncestryDNA looks at fewer than 700,000 SNPs. This represents a only tiny percentage of your genome. At the same time, every time you leave a hair on the collar of your coat, or saliva in your glass in a restaurant, you are leaving 100% of your genome just lying around for the taking.
While the cost of these genealogically relevant DNA tests have come down considerably over the years (you can now get an AncestryDNA test kit for only $89 by using this link), the cost of genome sequencing has come down far more significantly.
Until 2009, the cost of sequencing your genome was likely to cost you upwards of $1,000,000 (one million) dollars. Now, startup Sure Genomics is looking to be able to use new technologies and an at-home test kit to sequence your genome, and test for 70,000 SNPs (10 times the number of SNPs are being used for genealogical purposes) that for only $2,500!
Let Ancestors & Cousins help you with your genealogy and get more value out of your genealogical DNA tests.
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