Lawrence/Lorentz Y-Chromosome DNA Project

Purpose

Molecular genealogy (also called genetic genealogy) is currently best applied to testing a hypothesis that two or more individuals share a common ancestor and of estimating how far back in time that ancestor lived. Supplemented by traditional genealogical records, this information can be used to define and identify branches of the LAWRENCE family that have spread apart and lost contact and thereby support or disprove the identity of a suspected ancestor. This is especially useful when there is family tradition and circumstantial evidence to support a connection but no documentation can be found. In a broader scope, a growing number of surname studies such as this are being conducted to ascertain whether families with the same surname are of common or independent origin. Combining the results of these studies with traditional genealogical information, we can hope to hone in on geographical areas from which our families may have arisen--thereby giving us new areas in which to explore traditional resources.

The Tests

The project coordinators are Dennis A. Lawrence and James H. Lawrence.

For this project we are using a firm called Family Tree DNA which specializes in DNA testing for genealogical purposes.The kits are ordered and paid for by each participant when the sample is sent for analysis. Each participant is sent a pair of plastic swabs and asked to collect a cell sample from inside their mouth. The samples are sent to an address in Houston, Texas, where they forwarded it to the lab at the University of Arizona. At the laboratory the DNA is isolated for each subject and is tested for 12 ($99), 25 ($124), 37 ($149) or 67 ($248) genetic markers on the Y- chromosome. The actual testing procedure is complicated; but for each sample short lengths of genetic code that show repeating patterns are identified, and the number of the 'repeats' found for each marker. The results obtained from each sample are given as a list of numbers (alleles); such as 13, 23,14,10,11,14,12,12,13,13,13, 29. The set of numbers from a person is known as their haplotype. These haplotypes can then be compared; and only close relatives can be expected to have exactly matching haplotype. If Family Tree DNA finds any exact matches they will notify those who have signed a release to do so. The haplotypes will also be posted to this site for all to compare with the Lawrence line tested. Join with us and discover your Lawrence/Lorentz genetic roots by going here.

Mutations

The particular markers selected by Family Tree DNA for their Y-chromosome testing have been chosen as they change (mutate) slowly over many generations. These variations occur because of mutations in the genetic material between a father and son, and are essentially 'random'. It is considered that a change from one number to another, such as a change from '24 to 23', might occur within a period of, say, 500 years - which roughly is 20 generations. This means that distant relatives can be expected to have similar 'haplotypes' to each other. Please note that it is difficult to say when people are definitely related to each other, either closely or more distantly; and all that can be said is that a relationship is possible. The markers shown in red have been observed to have a faster-than-average mutation rate, and therefore these markers are very helpful at splitting lineages into subsets or branches within your family tree. A recent article in a FTDNA Newsletter explaining marker selection can be seen here.

Haplogroups

The 'haplotype' from a subject can also be compared to samples taken from people in other areas of the world. There are clear differences between Western European patterns, Asian, Native North and South American, and African. These regional patterns are called haplogroups.

The Results

The following table contains the results received to date. The table will be revised as new test results are returned and more Lawrence males join the project. The numbers for each subject are their Alleles values. The colors denote the haplogroup of each participant and the description of each haplogroup is provided by Family Tree DNA below:

R1a = "purple" This lineage is believed to have originated in the Eurasian Steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas. The lineage is believed to have originated in a population of the Kurgan culture, known for the domestication of the horse (approximately 3000 B.C.E.). These people were also believed to be the first speakers of the Indo-European language group. This lineage is currently found in central and western Asia, India, and in Slavic populations of Eastern Europe

R1b = "yellow" This is the most common haplogroup in European populations. It is believed to have expanded throughout Europe as humans re-colonized after the last glacial maximum 10-12 thousand years ago. This lineage is also the haplogroup containing the Atlantic modal haplotype.

I = "blue" The I, I1, and I1a lineages are nearly completely restricted to northwestern Europe. These would most likely have been common within Viking populations. One lineage of this group extends down into central Europe.

E1b1a = "dark gray" fomerly E3a. This subclade of haplogroup E is mainly restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, and it likely originated in and expanded from West Africa .
E1b1b = "light gray" formerly E3b. This subclade of haplogoup E probably came into existence somewhere in the area of the Red Sea, most probably in or near the Horn of Africa, and then expanded both into the Near East and westwards, north and south of the Mediterranean Sea.

J = "orange" This haplogroup is found at highest frequencies in Middle Eastern and north African populations where it most likely evolved. This marker has been carried by Middle Eastern traders into Europe, central Asia, India, and Pakistan. The Cohen modal lineage is found in this group.

G2 = "green" This lineage may have originated in India or Pakistan, and has dispersed into central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The G2 branch of this lineage (containing the P15 mutation) is found most often in the Europe and the Middle East.

N = "light blue" This haplogroup is distributed throughout Northern Eurasia. It is the most common Y-chromosome type in Uralic speakers (Finns and Hungarians). This lineage most likely originated in northern China or Mongolia and then spread into Siberia where it became a very common line in western Siberia.