Looking at a DNA test can be confusing to any layperson. It involves charts of long strands of loci (plural for locus) in which the two sets of alleles are located. It also involves numbers and percentages that are confusing. But a degree in biology isn't required to interpret a DNA test. All that is needed is a general understanding of certain terms and what each number on a DNA test represents.
Instructions
1. Compare the two columns that are listed on the test. Both of these columns indicate the 16 loci that have been tested. The columns that are marked "allele" contain the numbers that indicate the two alleles that are found in each locus. Sometimes there will only be one number if the alleles are the same size. If the number between the two tested allele sets is a direct match, the probability of a relationship will not be excluded.
2. Notice the fragment length of each allele. Each locus has a variable number of repeated short sequences of bases. These bases are represented by the letters A, C, T and G. Each allele will have a different number of repeated bases, such as ACGACGACGACG, which will determine its fragment length. The fragment lengths are then compared between the different DNA strands being tested. These lengths signify comparisons or noncomparisons between the different strands. The numbers found in each fragment length will also signify matches.
3. Check for any matches that are tested in the report. The child will have 2 alleles that match both of her parents. The mother will pass on two sets of alleles that will be 12.1 and another set that might match or be close to the mother's, for instance an 18 for the child and a 16 for the mother.
4. Compare the tested alleles of the child and the other parent. This will determine within probability whether a person is the biological father. The child's alleles from the father must be 18. This is called the "obligate paternal allele" and will determine whether he is the biological father.
5. Look at the percentage number below the chart. This number indicates a combined "direct" relationship of all the alleles that have been tested. This calculates the probability of relationship between the tested alleles. If the DNA of the alleged father is compatible with the child's, the report will read that the alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father. This of course is within a degree of mathematical certainty, which the percentage number below the chart will indicate.
Tags: alleles that, biological father, fragment length, will determine, alleged father, allele will
