What is DNA? We’ve all seen stunning pictures of DNA models, and many of us have heard the phrase “deoxyribonucleic acid” before. DNA can seem futuristic, scientific, and sometimes downright magical. But is there a simple definition of DNA, one that is a little less mysterious?DNA affects our appearance and abilities, and it also links us back from generation to generation. Simply put, DNA is the most basic inheritance we get from our parents—and our grandparents, and great-great-grandparents, and so on. Each of our direct ancestors may have contributed to the DNA we carry in our cells.
Connect with Your Family
You may be curious about your DNA because you want to learn more about your family, ethnicity, or health. Or maybe you just want to see your DNA results for the fun of it! Regardless of why you want to learn more, DNA testing and DNA research can lead you to a lot more than your raw DNA test results. When you combine DNA testing with family history research, you can make connections with living family members—cousins you may not have even known you had—and your own ancestors. Learn more about DNA and how it can help you connect with your family.
Learn More about DNA
At FamilySearch, we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more about our beliefs, click here.
