Genetic phasing is the process of figuring out from each parent which copy of a gene a person has gotten. This is important because many genetic traits and conditions are determined by the specific combination of genes that a person has inherited. By analyzing the genetic phase of a person’s genes, researchers and medical professionals can gain a better understanding of their genetic makeup and potential health risks.
Why DNA phasing is useful for genetic genealogy and admixture?
DNA phasing is useful for genetic genealogy because it allows researchers to determine the specific combination of genetic material that an individual has inherited from their parents. By separating your DNA into paternal and maternal sides, we can determine which branch of your family a DNA match belongs to. The phased file can be uploaded to companies that offer genetic matching for an advanced analysis of your results.
How DNA phasing works?
To phase your DNA, you would need to have your genome sequenced and then use specialized software to analyze the data and determine which copy of each gene you have inherited from each of your parents. This process can be complex and is usually done by trained geneticists or other medical professionals.
DNA Genics can phase your DNA
Phasing your results will give you two files, one from your mother and the other from your father. Each file will have the same number of SNPs, but each SNP's genotype is from your parent.
Phasing types:
The phasing process is only performed for the chromosomes 1-22
Which is the file from my mother/father?
When phasing without using your parent's DNA, we can't tell which side is which when phasing is done without parents. If we phase your DNA against, at least one parent, you will receive two files Parent 1 and Parent 2. In Duo Phasing, Parent 1 refers to the chosen parent's side. However, in Trio Phasing, Parent 1 corresponds to the first selected file during the service ordering, while Parent 2 refers to the other one.
In Duo/Trio phasing, the content of the parents' files consists of the shared Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) between the child's file and the parents' files. SNPs that are not shared cannot be phased.
Why do I need to take a DNA test of my parent when I can take a DNA test of myself and phase it?
Each file only contains 50% of each parent, so you still need to test your parents to get their full DNA.