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What is Junk DNA and How Does it Affect my Paternity Test?

by HOMEDNA on 10/18/2021

If you’re going to do a DNA paternity test, no doubt you’re doing a little research ahead of time. Most people do, so that they’ll better be able to understand their results and trust that the science giving answers to their very important question is sound. As a top paternity testing lab, one of the questions we often get asked goes something like this:

“I’ve heard that junk DNA is used in this test and that worries me. What is it and why don’t you use the good DNA?”

That’s a really good question and DNA science can sometimes seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick and simple explanation of the two main types of DNA: coding DNA and junk DNA, and why the junk type is used for paternity testing.

Coding DNA vs. Junk DNA

Coding DNA: A human being’s genome consists of a whopping 3.42 billion nucleotides, all wrapped up neatly in 23 pairs of linear chromosomes. Yet only 2% of these genes code for proteins that serve a specific function such as determining our eye color, how tall (or short) we are, the color of our skin, the size and shape of our nose, or whether we have blonde or red hair.

Junk DNA: That leaves 98% of genes that seem to have no practical function at all and is what has been, unfortunately, coined ‘junk DNA.’ For decades scientists didn’t know what it was for, and so it was assigned this unflattering name. All this matter was scattered throughout cells, seemingly at random and with no purpose. More recent research has determined that 9-80% of this type of DNA may serve a regulatory function for the genome and so really isn’t junk at all. The extent of how much these genes serve an important purpose is still in dispute in the scientific community, but the possibilities for further discovery are exciting, even if it takes decades more to reach a consensus. The “junk” name has stuck, but most scientists now prefer to call it “non-coding DNA.”

Why is Junk DNA Used for Paternity Testing?

By nature, genes are susceptible to mutation. A mutation is simply a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence found in most people. A mutation can be inherited or it can be acquired through environmental factors.

Back when reliable DNA testing was in its infancy, scientists discovered that the mutation rate in junk DNA is low. Since a child inherits half their DNA from each parent and that is true of both coding and junk DNA, using the junk variety (with fewer mutations) for paternity testing makes sense. Because a paternity test uses non-coding DNA, results can only determine identity and biological relationship and cannot tell anything else about an individual, such as their eye color.

The Bottom Line

Identity testing using junk DNA is so reliable that it is the method employed by the FBI and other law-enforcement agencies for crime-fighting purposes. In the DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) lab, which is the parent company of the Identigene brand, we test at least 20 genetic markers, which are the same as the FBI’s CODIS core loci, to ensure the most accurate test possible. Be wary of companies who do not test at least 20 genetic markers! Scientists are just beginning to learn more about so-called junk DNA and what its purpose(s) might be in the genome. It’ll be really interesting to see what discoveries will be made about it in the near future!

What is termed ‘junk’ really isn’t,  is it?

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Sources

Benecke, Mark, Dr. Rer. Medic. “Coding or Non-coding, That Is the Question: Having Solved the Last Technical Hurdles to Extract DNA Information from Virtually Any Biological Material, Forensic Biologists Now Have to Ponder the Ethical and Social Questions of Using Information from Exonic DNA.” EMBO Reports. Oxford University Press, 17 June 2002. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1084155/>.

Hall, Stephen S. “Hidden Treasures in Junk DNA.” Scientific American. Nature America, Inc., 31 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hidden-treasures-in-junk-dna/>.

Makalowski, Wojciech, Ph.D. “What Is Junk DNA, and What Is It Worth?” Scientific American. Nature America, Inc., 12 Feb. 2007. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-junk-dna-and-what/>.

Robertson, Sally, M.D. “What Is Junk DNA?” News-Medical.net. AZO Network, 17 Nov. 2014. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-Junk-DNA.aspx>.

“What Is a Gene Mutation and How Do Mutations Occur? – Genetics Home Reference.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Oct. 2016. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/mutationsanddisorders/genemutation>.

“It’s Not My Baby:” Should You Trust Your Intuition?

by HOMEDNA on 09/27/2021

The first time a parent holds their baby is a moment that forever bonds parent and child. But what if you have a nagging feeling that this infant in your arms may not be yours? Would you trust your intuition? Richard Cushworth and his wife Mercy Casanellas dealt with this exact situation, and trusting their intuition made all the difference.

A case of mistaken identity

In 2015, the couple traveled to El Salvador to give birth to their baby boy. But what should have been a happy occasion instead left the family full of uncertainty. For three months, the couple raised the baby as their own despite being suspicious that it wasn’t their child (see picture, above left). They eventually decided to trust their intuition and take a DNA test to find out if this was, in fact, a case of mistaken identity. As it turns out, they were right – the hospital in El Salvador had given the couple the wrong baby. And they were not the only family that had their baby swapped; in fact there were at least five other documented cases where a similar situation had taken place. Eventually, the switched babies were reunited with their families, but nevertheless the couple decided to take legal action against the hospital, citing that this is an injustice and no family should have to go through it.

DNA testing: the truth behind the myths

At this point, you might be wondering why the couple waited three months to come forward if they had the feeling from the start that it wasn’t their child. Maybe they were deterred from conducting a DNA test to find out the baby’s identity, believing that it’s too expensive or invasive.

DNA testing has come a long way over the last few years, and most people would be surprised to know that not only is it affordable, but it’s also easy to do (HomeDNA kits are available at local retailers such as CVS, Rite-Aid , Walgreens, and Walmart.. Although trusting their intuition is what led the couple to actually question the identity of their child, taking a DNA test provided the concrete evidence they needed to proceed with getting their own biological child back.

Is it ours? Let’s talk about it

Another reason the couple could have waited to bring up their doubts is simply because they had no idea how to communicate their suspicions to one another – this isn’t exactly a light topic for pillow talk. As uncomfortable as this kind of conversation can be, it’s still important to have open communication. Can you imagine if this couple had never openly talked to each other about their doubts? They could have gone on raising the wrong baby for years, if not a lifetime, without ever openly questioning if the hospital had swapped their child. This would undoubtedly put a strain on the family and could cause the child to have doubts of their own when they’re older.

Decisions, decisions

When the couple was given back their biological child, they were ecstatic-and who wouldn’t be? But, they also felt heartbroken to give back the baby they had come to know and love as their own. Parents don’t have to be biologically connected to their baby to feel a strong parental bond, and it’s hard to imagine walking away from this situation without feeling a sense of loss.

What would you do?

Although most of us are fortunate enough not to have been in this situation, if you find yourself in doubt about your newborn child, trust your intuition and back it up with a DNA test. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still be a part of the child’s life, but it will give you peace of mind. So the only question that remains is: What would you have done if you had been in Richard Cushworth’s and Mercy Casanella’s’ situation?

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FATHER HUGGING SON AFTER A PATERNITY TEST

The Secret to Amazing Fatherhood Goes Beyond Genetics

by HOMEDNA on 09/13/2021

Fatherhood is a powerful thing, but it is not solely a biological bond. There is also a highly formative psychological one that impacts every aspect of development, personal growth and individual happiness. Fatherhood belongs to any man who rises to the challenge of supporting, raising, and protecting a child through to adulthood, and that power is neither enhanced nor diminished by blood relation.

While having an actively involved father benefits children, being a father benefits men as well. In fact, being a father (or father figure) produces the same positive effects for men whether there are genetic ties to the child or not. According to LiveScience, ‘Taking care of a child reshapes a dad’s brain, causing it to show the same patterns of cognitive and emotional engagement that are seen in moms’ (Gholipour).

Does a child need their biological father to lead a fulfilling life?

At present, there is no scientific research that supports the idea that biology is required for good parenting, strong parent-to-child bonds, or a child’s quality of life. As The Independent, a renowned British national newspaper, points out, ‘Historically, children were brought up in multi-generational homes, with grandparents, parents and siblings all mucking in to bring up the kids. In fact, around 51 million Americans still live in a house with at least two adult generations under one roof’ (Hamilton).

Put simply, non-traditional families can still care for a child and positively impact their life. Stepfathers and other male role models are no less of a parent just because they do not share a child’s genetics, and consequently, genetics do not guarantee that the biological father will be a better parent. Grandfathers, uncles, friends, and stepfathers are all well suited to be positive male role models to a child and can assume the responsibilities of paternity.

As it turns out, being a great father doesn’t necessarily mean being the child’s true biological father; it’s really about wanting to and being there when it matters most for the child to help them grow. And even if you recently did a paternity test and found out you’re not the father, the bond you developed doesn’t have to be broken.

Great fathers provide love and nurturing

Being a great father means being involved in a child’s life. Biologically-related or not, being a father does not help the child if you are absent or neglectful. Amazing fathers nurture their relationship with unconditional love. This involves being there and spending quality, meaningful time with a child. For newborns, this might include participating in playtime, soothing them when they cry, making them laugh, taking them on walks to explore the world, and sharing responsibilities with the mother, like changing diapers .

Involvement should not stop once the child is past infancy. Playing games and going on adventures with your child as they grow older is just as important to show that you still love them and want to be part of their life.

Fathers should help their children learn and grow

Although play is important, it’s easy to fall into the role of  buddy instead of father. For this reason, it is also crucial that fathers provide a voice of reason and provide gentle, but firm, discipline when necessary. Learning how to say no,creating healthy boundaries for them and with them, modeling good behavior, and guiding them to make good decisions will assist in their development, helping them grow into a happy, respectful, and responsible individual.

DNA test results won’t affect your ability to be an amazing father

Some men are hesitant to take paternity tests because they are afraid negative results might make them feel like less of a father. However, the secret to being an amazing father goes far beyond genetics. No matter what the DNA test results are, a child can have a fulfilling childhood and a strong relationship with a father who cares. Often, for a child, to know that the biology is NOT there, but the father chose to stay, or even better chose them, speaks volumes to the love and character inherent in the relationship.

The Bottom Line

For some men, knowing that they are indeed a child’s biological father helps them become more actively involved in the child’s life. Even when a DNA test shows they are NOT the father, some men choose to legally adopt so they can protect their rights as a father and secure their relationship with the child involved.

Fatherhood is so much more than a DNA test result, and there is nothing to fear from discovering the truth.

 Get a paternity test kit today.

What do you think about this topic? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our  Customer Service 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

Gholipour, By Bahar. “5 Ways Fatherhood Changes a Man’s Brain.” LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 14 June 2014. Web. 04 June 2015. <http://www.livescience.com/46322-fatherhood-changes-brain.html>.

Hamilton, Chloe. “You Don’t Need Both Biological Parents to Raise a Family.” The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 June 2015. <http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/you-dont-need-both-biological-parents-to-raise-a-family-9056956.html>.

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