A paternity test, for some people, can solve a very difficult question. It can determine whether someone is a child’s father or not with amazing accuracy. Because of the advancements in the field of genetics, it is becoming easier and easier to perform. Just a little DNA (a cheek swab is generally all that is needed) from the child and father, a little time, and you could have the answer to a question that may plague some people for a lifetime.
A paternity test is possible because the genes of the father are passed on to the child. Everyone’s genes are unique to them (except for identical twins). There are forty-six chromosomes present in every cell. Your parents each contributed 23 chromosomes (except in rare cases) that came together to form a zygote. This zygote then started replicating, passing on the genetic information. Eventually these cells form bones, muscle and many other tissues. About nine months later, this conglomerate of cells results in a newborn baby.
When each parent contributes their 23 chromosomes, many traits are passed on. These traits are the result of approximately 30,000 genes that are present in the 23 paired chromosomes. These genes control traits like eye color, skin color and even psychological traits. In these genes it seems there are almost infinite possibilities. The variety of people on earth, whether they’re big, small, brown or freckled and everything in between, owe much of their differences to genetics.
While you may be seeking a paternity test to find a long lost parent, there are other reasons that it may be a good idea. Scientists are now linking genes to many diseases, cancers and even heart disease. The presence of a BRCA-1 gene means that you may have an 85 % chance of developing breast cancer and a 50% chance of developing ovarian tumors says Charles Scott, MD, and Linda Nicholson, MS, MC in an article on genetics (Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/genetics.html). And, researchers are finding, that many other cancers are more dependent on genetics than they had originally thought.
This brings up a very important point. While your motivation for a test may be to determine if you are related, the health implications are also a good reason. It may be disturbing to learn that you are predisposed to develop heart disease or cancer, but if you know, you may be able to take actions that could prolong your life. Perhaps a glimpse at your genetic history will be motivating enough for you to make important lifestyle changes. Maybe it will be enough to help you stop smoking, for you to start exercising, and perhaps eating better. The insight may lead you to make more frequent trips to the doctors and may help you with early detection of problems. In other words, a simple test may help you add years to your life.
Paternity testing will continue to answer questions that may have otherwise been impossible to answer. The benefit of knowing, for health purposes, is another great reason to consider testing. However, make sure you want to know. Some companies suggest counseling before and after the test. You may find your parent or sibling to be exactly who you expected or for it to be someone entirely different from what you imagined. Whatever the case may be, information like this can make for a very jarring experience.
By David Wade