Description

GENE201 Module 3 M3A2: The Y-DNA Inheritance Project

In this activity, you will answer questions about a Y-DNA scenario, which will analyze your understanding of the unique inheritance of the Y chromosome, and how Y-DNA is transmitted through a family tree.

Great-grandfather John Weaver, denoted by purple in the descendant chart provided, has taken a Y-STR DNA test. His results suggest that his Y-DNA haplogroup is R1b1a2a1c1a. You’ve identified all seven great-grandchildren of John Weaver and his wife, and numbered them 1 through 7.

Based on your understanding of Y-DNA and the descendant chart, answer the following questions:

Based on the chart, which of John Weaver’s great-grandchildren trace their Y-DNA back to John?
Individuals #3 and 6 each take a 111-marker Y-DNA test, and the genetic distance is 0. What could explain this result?
Individuals #3, 5, 6, and 7 purchase 23andMe tests. According to the test results, the Y-DNA of individuals #3, 5, and 6 belong to haplogroup R1b. Individual #7 belongs to haplogroup J1c2a. What could explain this result?