Venter
DNA Project
Venter
DNA Project
Purpose: The goal of the Venter Surname DNA Project is to identify, isolate, and categorize the different genetic lines which comprise our surname. Once that is done, the next step is to determine to which specific lineage each individual belongs. However, in order to determine what genetic lines exist, we must first test Venter surnamed individuals in order to identify the various haplotypes.
Original Hypothesis: Our initial hypothesis was that there were very few, and possibly only one, Venter genetic line (or haplotype). This was based on the fact that, in relation to other European genetic lines, the Venter surname is extremely rare.
Status: Preliminary steps have been taken toward determining the validity of the original hypothesis. However, the test results of the individuals we have analyzed so far, indicate that there are at least three, and possibly more, identifiable and unrelated Venter genetic lines. These results have been grouped and categorized as follows:
This table shows the allele values (i.e., the number of repeats) for each " Short Tandem Repeat" (STR) tested. Each STR is identified by its DNA Y-chromosome Sequence Number, or DYS#, which is listed across the top of the right-hand portion of the table. The STR values for each individual appear below each DYS#, respectively, and one may compare the tested values between individuals by reading down the column below each DYS#. The assumed modal haplotype for each identified group is shown in the first row of its group. Values differing from the modal value are highlighted in yellow.
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* Note: Our South African test results show an unusual characteristic in that DYS#464 occurs six times instead of the more common four. (DYS#464 is known to occur as many as seven times in some individauls.)
The table above shows the marker values for each of our participants. Each individual's test results are displayed horizontally and are identified by a unique "ID", which is the test kit number assigned to that participant's DNA sample. Surnames are provided because, in addition to Venter, our project is also looking at variations in spelling of the name as well as other surnames that could be related.
Test results are grouped according to category. The top line in each group is the haplotype which, when compared to the others within the group, appears to be the " modal" that defines that group. The haplotype chosen to be the modal may change as more results become available. Marker alleles that differ from the modal are highlighted in yellow and the test results are sorted with respect to these differences.
The English Group has only two individuals at this time, and their haplotypes match perfectly for markers 1 - 25 (the only markers for which both have been tested). This is not surprising, since documentation shows that these two individuals are related.
In the German group, ID 31552, was chosen as the modal strictly for convenience, although either of the others may have just as easily been designated as the modal. At this point there isn't enough information to recommend one over the other. The DNA indicates that all three of these participants share a common ancestor.
In the South African group there is little ambiguity. Only ID 143506 & ID 78508 seem out of step. The other lines (except for kit #159767, which shows just a one count difference at marker #22, and kit #132347, which shows a one count difference at marker #5) show complete agreement at least through marker #31 (DSY#607), for those markers that were tested. Since all of the Venters in South Africa are believed to be descended from one original immigrant, Hendrik Conrad Venter (aka von Dempter), the fact that there is such good agreement is not surprising. Differences only start to show up in markers further to the right, giving hope that we may be able to differentiate the various family lines within the South African clan. You can see how the family lines of our paticapants fit together on our South African Venter Family Tree.
The South African group also shows the unusual feature of having DYS#464 occur six times instead of the usual four. (See note below the table.) This should be a great help in narrowing the search for Hendrik's family line outside of South Africa.
The Uncategorized group contains the test results that do not fall into either of the other groups and, therefore, no differences are highlighted. At this point, each one represents its own unique genetic line and each may have its own history and place of origin. Eventually, as more results become available, we should find others that match these haplotypes and we will be able to give each its own group designation.
Return to the Venter Surname DNA Project page.
Prepared by Robert Venter
Venter Surname DNA Project Leader
Send e-mail to: venter.genealogy@comcast.net
Version: 132; Updated on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 10:30 am