The Four Steps of a Basic DNA Analysis
DNA analysis involves four main steps: extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis.
The first of these steps - extraction - comprises breaking open the nucleus of a cell with the aim of releasing the DNA held within into a solution. During extraction, the DNA molecules are isolated from any other cellular material that could potentially influence the analysis, such as haemoglobin and indigo dyes, as these are considered inhibitors. There are two relatively customary extraction methods: Organic Extraction which requires a minimum of three hours processing time, and robotic extraction which takes two hours at least.
The next stage of the DNA analysis is checking to make sure that the DNA extracted in step one is actually human. This quantitation stage assesses the quality and the amount of the human DNA present in the extraction - a particularly important step in DNA analysis as it determines the success of the subsequent stage of analysis. The process requires specific quantification kits and instruments, and usually takes up to three hours to complete.
Depending on the success of quantitation, the next phase of DNA analysis is amplification. This phase is particularly impressive, as it requires a technique called PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction. This procedure recreates millions of duplicates of a specific DNA sequence in an incredibly short amount of time through repeatedly heating and cooling the sample in a cyclical pattern that takes roughly three hours to complete. This phase of analysis is of particular importance regarding ancient DNA samples, as it is usually restricted regarding the amount and quality of the sample. Essentially, amplification is like making countless photocopies of a DNA sequence against which your DNA can be compared.
Capillary Electrophoresis is the final stage of the basic DNA analysis, and it involves separating the vast amount of DNA “photocopies” created during amplification so as to allow the different molecules to be distinguished from each other. In order to do so, the capillary electrophoresis phase requires passing an electric current through the DNA sample; the separate DNA molecules carry a negative charge and the electric current forces them through a capillary which contains a gel-like substance. Once they pass through this capillary, they are attracted to a positive anode at the opposite side of the capillary. Small DNA molecules complete this process with more ease than the larger ones, so this stage permits the molecules to be categorised by size. The information gathered from this categorisation is then reviewed through a software programme and, thus, a DNA profile is finally developed.
Why My True Ancestry analysis is reliable
MTA provides the highest level of analysis and information on your ancestry as we rely on consistent tools and software across all forms of DNA analysis - in comparison to many other sites that permit analysis of raw DNA data using whatever form of analysis tool that is easily available. This lack of discernibility on behalf of other sites regarding the type of tool that they employ means that the individual getting the analysis cannot know how their results were produced or analysed.
Furthermore, My True Ancestry is always operational - this means that you can contact us whenever you choose, 24/7. In fact, we have not had a shutdown in operations since we went live in April 2019 - just another example of how reliable we are. No other similar site can report a similar record as they have all experienced periodic, or even frequent shutdowns.
Finally, My True Ancestry fastidiously ensures that only the best copies of DNA samples are used. When a new read, or a raw genetic material is made available for a sample of ancient remains, MTA replaces the old sample with this new one. This goes some way towards explaining the infrequent variability in results when there are new updates of samples.
The Main Reasons Why My True Ancestry is Different From Any Other Service:
- MTA focuses solely on ancient DNA (unlike other websites that centre on modern DNA).
- MTA offers more data analysis tools (such as, Globes, Timelines, 3-D PCA, spider charts, etc.) than any other site.
- MTA provides a historical context to our samples. For example, we provide DNA Spotlights on individuals like the Cheddar Man, and time lapse history. This allows you to further your understanding and knowledge of your ancient past.
If you are interested in advancing your awareness around genetics, you may find the following resources helpful:
- NCBI -National Centre for Biotechnology Information
- ENA - European Nucleotide Archive
- Anthrogenica
- Eupedia
…but don’t forget to read the rest of our blog articles of course!
We hope that you now feel that the concept of DNA analysis is less confusing or daunting in light of all the information that we have provided in this article. After all, you’re only a couple of steps away from finding out more about yourself from how your genetics links to the past.
