DNA testing can be done to trace both male and female lines. Male lines can be traced by the DNA in Y chromosomes, which are only passed down from the father to male descendants. Female lines can be traced by the DNA in cellular organelles called "mitochondria" which are passed down though from mothers to their children. ----- Original Message ----- From: "cynthia dean" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 1:46 PM Subject: Re: [FLJACKSO] The Toole Surname DNA Project Update > It is my understanding that the DNA testing only works through the > male lines. So, what happens if an unmarried Toole female has a > child? That child is still going to be from the same Toole line as > his mother, but his DNA and that of his descendants is not going to > match, because it did not come through the male line. I know that's > clear as mud. But, the DNA testing can prove relationships of some, > but it's not the final word in cases of relationshps from female > lines. At least, that's the way it seems from here. > > If that's not right, please enlighten me. This testing is being done > in the Jarman family, also, but it was very difficult to find a male > Jarman that could trace straight back through males only. > > cd >