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FAQ on the Molecular Genealogy Research Study
Q:
Where will the information from this study be stored? Will it be accessible over
the Internet?
A: All
information and data related to this study will be maintained by the Molecular
Genealogy Research Group (MGRG). In order to maintain complete privacy for each
participant, all data and results are stored in locked files and secure
computers without any Internet or network access. Any query to the database will
require a certain amount of interpretation and requests for this will be made
directly to the MGRG.
Q:
Will individual information ever be released to other medical
professionals for research, or to a personal physician? On what condition?
A: Information concerning participants will
not be released to anyone. Personal information will not be released to anyone.
Personal privacy is integral to this study and is maintained throughout the
process of data collection and analysis and information storage. The information
and genetic data that is compiled for this study is intended for genealogical
purposes. Medical testing or genetic screening services are provided by several
other facilities but not by the Molecular Genealogy Research Group.
Q: Where are blood
samples collected?
A: We are collecting samples from around the world. Check the
Opportunities to Participate on the Molecular Genealogy Web site to see if there
is a location scheduled near you.
Q: Why is the
4-generation pedigree chart necessary?
A: We will use this information to correlate the written record with
the genetic record to construct a database. This database will be used to track
the transmission of genetic markers through time and geography. In order for
this to be successful it is necessary that we have completed written pedigrees
of assumed relationships so that we can establish the proper inheritance of
genetic markers.
Q: Who can
participate in the Molecular Genealogy project?
A: People from all over the world are encouraged to participate
regardless of sex, geographic origin or ethnic background. All participants must
be at least 18 years of age or older.
Q: How will the Human Genome
Project assist in the Molecular Genealogy Project?
A: The human genome constitutes the entire
genetic material responsible for creating a human being. The Human Genome
Project has, over the last several years, documented the extent of this genetic
information. The information available from the Human Genome Project has been
crucial to identifying the specific genetic markers that we use to genetically
characterize our populations. As the Human Genome Project continues to identify
new genetic markers and "fill in the gaps" we will use this
information to enhance our study.
Q: What is the difference
between a genetic marker and a gene? How will this information be used to help
in genealogical research?
A: A gene is a segment of DNA responsible
for a protein or other biological molecule. These proteins and molecules will
have structural or physiological properties that contribute to the biologic
function of an individual. Alteration in the DNA sequence of a gene may cause a
protein to be incorrectly manufactured and result in a disease condition.
Segments of DNA between genes have been termed "spacer" or
"junk" DNA because most have no known function. It is estimated that
the majority of the human genome consists of this junk DNA. Alterations or
mutations in "junk" DNA will have no physical effect on the
individual. Genetic markers are specific locations on the chromosome where there
is known variability. This variability can be used to identify closely related
individuals. Since genetic markers are not responsible for disease conditions we
have focused our efforts on using this system to help in genealogical
reconstruction.
Q: Can I still participate
in the study if I was adopted?
A: Not at this time. Unless the biological
family tree is known we cannot use a sample from an adopted individual. The
initial stage of this study is designed to construct the database according to
known biological relationships. After the construction of the database, adopted
individuals will be able to use the information in the database to help resolve
genealogical questions. Adopted individuals in any pedigree can post problems in
the reconstruction of genetic relationships. However, it is possible that the
adoption status of an individual in a previous generation is not known.
For more
information, write to the Molecular Genealogy Research Group, 788
Widtsoe Bldg., Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602 (USA), or send an email
to molecular-genealogy@byu.edu.
You can also access the research group’s website at http://molecular-genealogy.byu.edu/.
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