DNA is the carrier of our genetic information, which has passed from generation to generation. Every cell in our bodies, except red blood cells, contains a copy of our DNA.
 |
At the time of conception, everyone receives DNA from both their father and mother. Within our DNA, each of us has 23 pairs of chromosomes - while within each pair, one chromosome was received from our father and one was received from our mother. These 23 pairs of chromosomes are known as nuclear DNA, since they reside in the nucleus of every cell, except red blood cells. (See figure to the left) The 23rd chromosome is known as the sex chromosome. As with the other chromosomes, one is inherited from our father, and one from our mother. So for you, this 23rd chromosome from your mother is always an X. From your father, you either inherit an X chromosome or a Y chromosome. That chromosome inherited from your father determines your sex. An X from your father would result in an XX which would make you a female, or a Y from your father would result in an XY, which would make you a male. It's now easier to understand that (specifically, for this explanation) through the males in our family, just like our McOrmond name, the Y chromosomes are passed down - something "inherited." So we take all of this into consideration, and realize that the DNA passed from our "McOrmond" father, as well as presume that as "McOrmond's," our earliest of ancestors had the same male chromosones. Rather neat, mmm...??? And as we all know by now: we cannot always rely on the spelling of our name to give us all the answers! |
 |
So how did we figure out things from there...??? Testing - but of course!
Since the Y chromosome is only found in men, the only folks that could take the Y-DNA test must be males. For females who are interested in the Y-DNA result for their surname or family tree, they would have to request a close male relative to participate, such as a brother, father, uncle or cousin. Well, I know I'm a McOrmond - not just on paper, by virtue of physical charactoristaics with others in my clan. I did the testing....
 |
There are a wide variety of applications for Y-DNA testing. Y-DNA testing was completed to confirm the "paper" genealogical research for our family tree (Chapter 5 of my over-rated TGP Book). But eventually, the Y-DNA testing will also help determine which family trees with the same or variant surnames are related - as there are so few with our name, our immediate history appears short. Somewhere in time the 'ol McOrmond name was a victom of the 'ol switcheroo! The Y-DNA testing provided clues to help us with our genealogy research. I've only touched touched on a few of the applications for Y-DNA testing. |
 |
A broader approach is found through a couple of websites I used to assist me in this quest. Certainly, much of it is over my head - however, I do understand the basics - and have posted the results here, as well as create the proverbial "Internet presense."Our group is R1b.
Click here for the Page to Diplay our Results