DNA and race!
- Thread starter drychlick
- Start date
I saw the same episode.
I would imagine there are certain "markers" they could look at to determine a vague racial type, like Asian, but not specific like Chinese or Japanese.
There's probably been enough research done to get an idea.
I would imagine there are certain "markers" they could look at to determine a vague racial type, like Asian, but not specific like Chinese or Japanese.
There's probably been enough research done to get an idea.
Of course you can. Why would you think that wouldn't be possible?
The differences we interpret as "race" come about because of genetic differences, so of course one can determine a person's race by looking at their DNA. Once those differences are found, it should be a rather simple exercise to look at those particular sequences to determine a person's race. I don't know if those particular sequences have been found, however.
Have a look at a relatively new field called molecular genealogy. There is an effort to take DNA samples from people all over the world to find markers specific to certain populations, which can then be used to determine a person's genealogy by the presence of those markers. If scientists can determine who you're related to they can certainly determine which part of the world your ancestors came from.
Have a look at a relatively new field called molecular genealogy. There is an effort to take DNA samples from people all over the world to find markers specific to certain populations, which can then be used to determine a person's genealogy by the presence of those markers. If scientists can determine who you're related to they can certainly determine which part of the world your ancestors came from.
I think there are markers (although race tends to be a bit more nebulous than we think, at least there can be broad differences). Of course, there is more genetic diversity among so-called racial groups than between different races, which just shows humans are more alike than different (to give you a rough idea, Chimps can be more easily broken down into groups by DNA).
I was reading that people are having DNA tests to see if they belong to specific Scottish clans.
I think that I am a descendant of the Stewart of Appin clan. I can however not use the test to determine this as I would be descended though the female side of my family and the test looks for a marker on the Y chromosome.
If one family can have a specific marker than there must be specific markers for certain races, nationalities etc.
I think that I am a descendant of the Stewart of Appin clan. I can however not use the test to determine this as I would be descended though the female side of my family and the test looks for a marker on the Y chromosome.
If one family can have a specific marker than there must be specific markers for certain races, nationalities etc.
While there isn't one "skin shade" gene, there are enough differences in a number of markers to reveal ethnic background with a high degree of accuracy.
Ms Chicken, there's also a group of amatuer geneologists at work on my family tree. In some places the records are quite unclear and DNA results have helped untangle 4 unique families of the same name living in the same area since the early 1600s.
Ms Chicken, there's also a group of amatuer geneologists at work on my family tree. In some places the records are quite unclear and DNA results have helped untangle 4 unique families of the same name living in the same area since the early 1600s.
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