Y-DNA is passed down from father to son through Y chromosome. FamilyTreeDNA launched first Y-DNA test in 2000 with 12 STRs. Y-DNA testing helps trace direct paternal lineage
Founded in 1998 by Bartl Wimmer in Augsburg as freelance laboratory physicians' association. Acquired by Cinven in 2015, followed by Labco in 2015. Listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange since April 2021. Employs around 28,000 people across 30+ countries
PCR was invented by Kary Mullis in 1983 and won Nobel Prize in 1993. PCR amplifies DNA millions to billions of times in temperature cycles. Requires primers and thermostable DNA polymerase for DNA synthesis
French breed from Limousin region, originally used as draught animals. Breed-book established in 1886, numbers declined with mechanisation. Nearly disappeared in 1960s, resisted Blonde d'Aquitaine merger. Now second-most numerous French beef breed, with 2.69 million head
RT-PCR combines RNA reverse transcription with PCR amplification. Technique measures specific RNA amounts using fluorescence monitoring. Replaced Northern blot as preferred RNA detection method. Can detect RNA levels up to 107-fold
Thalassemia is an inherited blood condition affecting hemoglobin production. Six genes control alpha and beta globin proteins, three from each parent. More than 200 gene variations can cause thalassemia. Condition is more common in people from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Mediterranean