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. 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.
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.