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DNA Facts That Just May Shock You

by HOMEDNA on 08/16/2021

DNA has often been called the building block of life, and with good reason. All living organisms have DNA – those infinitesimally tiny carriers of genetic information. In fact, we have it in every single cell in our bodies, except for red blood cells. That’s a lot of DNA! As a top paternity test lab, this subject is our specialty, so of course we have a fascination with all things related to it. Here are some facts about DNA that just may shock you.

DNA FACT #1: You have A LOT of it!

> Your body is made up of roughly 100 trillion cells (that’s trillion with a ‘t’)
> Each of these teeny tiny little cells contains about six feet of DNA coiled super-tightly
> If you unraveled all DNA in your body and put it end to end, it would go from the earth to the sun and back hundreds of times!

DNA FACT #2: It contains a mountain of information

> The steps in the DNA double-helix structure are called bases and are designated by the letters A, T, C, and G. These letters’ sequence holds the code to who we are
> The human genome has 3 billion bases and contains enough genetic information to fill 200 1,000-page books
> To put it in a more modern perspective, that’s about 3 gigabytes of storage in a computer!

DNA FACT#3: Living organisms are more alike than you think

> People share 99.9% of the same DNA. It’s that remaining fraction of a percent that makes us different
> We share anywhere from 94-99% of our DNA with chimps
> You are 75% identical to a mouse and 36% identical to a fruit fly

All of this makes sense when you consider that scientists believe that all living matter evolved from a single common ancestor. Also, we have a lot in common with other living beings: breathing, seeing, moving around. All of these jobs are connected to the function of DNA. When doing a paternity test, however, scientists don’t use the type of DNA that codes proteins for specific functions or physical attributes. Genes that are examined for a paternity test come from so-called junk DNA, which only has that unsavory name because scientists still aren’t exactly sure what its purpose is.

DNA FACT #4: If identical twins are both possible fathers of a child, the truth may never be determined

> Fraternal twins share 50% of their DNA only, which is the same as non-twin siblings
> Identical twins share 100% of the same DNA, which means that, if both men are possible fathers to the same child, a standard paternity test cannot determine the difference between the two men’s genomes
> Although the men are genetically identical, they don’t have identical fingerprints

LEARN MORE ABOUT TWINS AND DNA TESTING

DNA FACT #5: Looks alone are never proof of paternity

We get a lot of questions from customers who insist that their child looks just like an alleged father (he has his blue eyes, or she has his facial shape), and so they can’t understand why a paternity test would show that the possible father and the child are not biologically related. Conversely, we also get questioned on how a child could be biologically related to a possible father when they look nothing alike.

> A child gets 50% of their DNA from each parent
> The traits of a child are determined not only by what their parents look like, but all the genomes from direct ancestors who came before, on both sides of the family
> This genetic soup either can create a child that looks exactly like one or more parents, or a child that looks like neither, or something in between

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAMILIAL TRAITS

The only way to be absolutely sure that a child is biologically related to a possible father is through a DNA paternity test. Fortunately, these tests are now more affordable to the general public than ever, so it’s easy to get answers!

GET A HOME PATERNITY TEST KIT

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.

Sources

“Hands-on DNA.” Mathematical Miscellanea (n.d.): n. pag. Hands-on DNA. Web. 24 May 2016. <http://www.sciencecentres.org.uk/projects/handsondna/4.8%20-%20Amazing%20facts%20and%20quiz%20questions.pdf>.

Koning, Ellie. “17 Interesting Facts about DNA.” Holy Kaw! N.p., 22 July 2010. Web. 25 May 2016. <http://holykaw.alltop.com/17-interesting-facts-about-dna>.

McElwain, Mark. “Understanding Genetics.” Understanding Genetics. Stanford University, 1 May 2009. Web. 25 May 2016. <http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask309>.

Shared Parenting: 3 Tips That Put Kids First

by HOMEDNA on 08/02/2021

Splitting up is never easy and rarely is it pain-free. In many cases, once a relationship ends, each person can leave the past behind, move forward in their lives and perhaps never even see each other again. But when the relationship produced a beautiful and innocent little human being, responsible parents must consider the child’s needs before their own. Both parents can have an influence for good in their child’s upbringing, and for this reason, more and more couples who split are opting for shared parenting. Is it the right choice for you?

Quick Pros and Cons of Shared Parenting

Pros

A child gets a clear message that both parents love them and want them.
There is regular access to both Mom and Dad and enjoy the benefits of it.
There are fewer conflicts between parents when they do shared parenting.
Many co-parenting non-residential parents provide more regular financial support because they do not feel like they have ‘lost’ their children.
Because they’re not parenting alone, parents are less likely to feel burned out.

Cons

Shared parenting limits a parent’s mobility. Because they need to stay close to their child, they may give up the opportunity for a better job elsewhere.
Some children get anxious going back and forth between homes and one parent may be markedly better with their parenting skills than the other.
If parents aren’t good at communicating with each other or don’t get along, they may make decisions for the child independently, causing further conflict.
A child can be made to feel ‘in the middle,’ having to deliver messages between Mom and Dad or being quizzed about the actions of the other parent.

3 TIPS: If You Decide Shared Parenting is the Best Option

1. Do What’s Best for your Child. Period.

It’s so incredibly difficult to put aside your own feelings of anger, resentment, and bitterness toward your ex and do what’s best for your child. But you must. And you do it because you’re a grown-up. Not all shared parenting arrangements can be 50-50. For example, if you work graveyard, it may be better for the sake of stability in your child’s daily schedule if you have her weekends only. Will you miss her during the week? Yes. Is it better for her, though? Absolutely. When it comes to all shared parenting decisions, disassociate from your own feelings and consider your child’s needs instead. It will pay off.

2. Tell your Child Often What a Great Parent Your Ex is!

Your child loves you both, and it psychologically hurts her and confuses her when you speak ill of a parent she loves. Talk to someone else about your beefs with your ex. When it comes to your child, it’s important for her to know that you think your ex has her best interests at heart and loves her just like you do. Put pictures up in your home of the two of them together. Not only will it comfort her, but this simple act can also act as a reminder to you that your child needs both of you in order to grow up strong, healthy and happy (Bathie).

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – Let it Go.

Kids can feel tension between their parents a mile away. Although you’ll always have disagreements, in order to be the grown-up you have to be willing to let go of control. Especially when it’s stuff that really doesn’t matter. If your ex lets your child stay up till 10 even though you insist on a 9 o’clock bedtime at home, let it go. If your ex feeds her sugary cereal for breakfast, so what? As long as it’s not putting your child in danger, let your ex parent the way they deem best. Peace between parents goes a long way toward ensuring a happy childhood. And really, isn’t that the goal?

The Bottom Line about Shared Parenting

There can be situations when shared parenting is never a good option-such as when a parent is abusive. But courts encourage co-parenting in most cases because it’s an arrangement that enables a child to have both parents continue being active in his or her life and upbringing. As a top paternity test lab, we talk to good parents every day who want to do what’s best for their little ones by giving them a sense of identity. Sometimes these parents are still together and sometimes they’re not, but they all have one thing in common: doing what’s best for their child.

GET A HOME PATERNITY TEST KIT

Sources

Bathie, Emma. “9 Ways to Co-Parent Like a Grown-Up.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 28 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 June 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emma-bathie/9-ways-to-coparent-like-a_b_5045941.html>.

Golodner, Lynne Meredith. “Successful Co-parenting: 7 Steps for Divorced Parents – Metro Parent.” Metro Parent. Metro Parent Publishing Group, 13 Nov. 2015. Web. 16 June 2016. <http://www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/divorce-family-law/successful-co-parenting-steps-divorced-parents/>.

Gordon, Donald A., Ph.D., and Jack Arbuthnot, Ph.D. “Shared Parenting Pros and Cons.” Shared Parenting Pros and Cons. Segue Esprit, Inc., 20 July 2014. Web. 16 June 2016. <http://www.divorcemag.com/articles/shared-parenting-pros-and-cons>.

Should I Get a Paternity Test Before Signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity?

by HOMEDNA on 07/26/2021

You’ve just learned from a former partner that you could be the father of brand-new baby, but you’re not married to the mother. Or maybe you’ve been with the mother during the whole pregnancy but you’re not sure whether you’re the father of her new baby since she cheated on you around the time of conception. The mother wants you to claim the child legally by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. You’re feeling pressured. Before you fall in love with that beautiful little person, STOP. There’s a hard question you need to ask yourself: Should I get a paternity test before signing an acknowledgement of paternity?

NOTE: This article is not intended to be legal advice—it is for general informational purposes only. For guidance regarding your particular situation, please contact a social worker or family-law attorney in your area.

What is a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity?

The word “paternity”—of course—means fatherhood. So when you voluntarily acknowledge paternity of a child by signing this legal document, you’re saying you consider yourself the child’s father (whether you’re biologically related or not) and that you’re freely choosing to take legal responsibility for the child’s upbringing. The mother signs the document too, and—in most states—it is sent to the department of vital records, which then records the new father’s name on the birth certificate. In many cases, it can be obtained from the hospital right after the birth of the baby.

What Happens When I Sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity?

When this acknowledgement is signed, it is just as legally binding as when a court order names you as the father, so it’s not something that should be taken lightly. When you sign that document:

-You can no longer request a court hearing to determine if you are the child’s biological father

-You have the ability to establish visitation rights and custody

-Depending on your state, you may be able to contest any move to put the child up for adoption

-The child gains inheritance rights

-The child may be entitled to your benefits like social security and health insurance, and veterans’ benefits

-You are financially responsible for the child’s upbringing

Are There Circumstances Where I Wouldn’t Be Able to Sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity?

There are definitely circumstances where you cannot sign this acknowledgement:

-If the other was married during the pregnancy (at any time) or if she was married at the time the baby was born

-The mother is unmarried but there is another man who is also claiming paternity

-The child hasn’t been born yet

**Why You Should Get a Paternity Test Before Signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity**

The only way to withdraw an Acknowledgement of Paternity is to file a petition with the family court. There is usually a limited time—such as 60 days—for a man to do this. Once this time period is over, the only way to challenge the document is to prove to the court that it was signed based on fraud or mistake of material fact.

If you’re not sure you’re the biological child of the father or even if you are sure, it’s wise to protect yourself by insisting on a DNA paternity test before signing anything.

As you’ve learned in this article, the consequences of and responsibilities associated with signing the acknowledgement of paternity are legal and serious, so it just makes sense to get definitive answers to fatherhood questions through DNA science.

If you think a baby is yours and the mother is refusing a paternity test, in many states you only have two (2) years to file a paternity action, which is yet another reason to do a DNA test as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

Welcoming a new baby is an emotional time for everyone. Before making a forever commitment, it’s smart to do your due diligence by getting a paternity test before signing an acknowledgement of paternity. If you have questions or concerns, by all means contact a social worker or family-law attorney in your area.

About HomeDNA Paternity

HomeDNA Paternity has been a leader in high-quality affordable DNA paternity testing since 1993 and is the only choice offered at retail stores from coast to coast, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart. With a test this important, it just makes good sense to go with America’s #1 at-home kit.

If you’re not sure you’re the biological child of the father or even if you are sure, it’s wise to protect yourself by insisting on a DNA paternity test before signing anything.