Many people who are interested in genealogy also find that doing DNA testing supplements their research into their family history. Which type of DNA test you take should be based on what information you are interested in finding. The most common types of DNA testing done for genealogy are Autosomal, Y and Mt. There are many companies that sell these tests (Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, 23&Me, My Heritage, etc.) to the public. Their websites often have very informative articles, links, white papers, etc. to assist you in understanding the results. If you are interested in comparing different companies DNA test results with others, there are websites such as GEDMatch that will assist you with uploading the data. Do your due diligence before you do any DNA tests and/or share your information with others. Read and understand the privacy policy of each vendor/website and the complete terms of service before you proceed.
What is a GEDCOM File?
GEnealogy Data COMmunications, or, the universal file format for genealogy databases that allows users of different software programs to share their data with others.
This method uses a spreadsheet to sort DNA matches into color groups based on shared ancestors. It often creates four groups of DNA matches based on four grandparent lines.
Admixture
Admixture refers to ancestry from more than one recent population group. Many people today have ancestry from more than one population and/or location.
Allele
An allele is a genetic variant at a specific point, locus, in our genetic code.
Ancestral Haplotype
In genetic genealogy, the ancestral haplotype is the set of marker values of your ancestor.
Autosomal DNA
genetic material inherited equally from mother and father. It’s less useful genealogically than Y-DNA and mtDNA because it mutates more often. Genetic tests to determine ethnic origins—African, Native American, Viking—typically analyze autosomal DNA.
Chromosome
a threadlike strand of DNA that carries genes and transmits hereditary information.
Common Ancestor
Person through whom two or more persons claim descent or lineage
Consanguinity
Degree of relationship between persons who descend from a common ancestor. A father and son are related by lineal consanguinity, uncle and nephew by collateral sanguinity.
DNA
the molecule that contains each cell’s genetic code, organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes. Genetic genealogy tests analyze your Y-DNA, mtDNA or autosomal DNA.
GEDCOM
GEnealogy Data COMmunications, or, the universal file format for genealogy databases that allows users of different software programs to share their data with others.
Gene
a hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome, and determines a particular characteristic in an organism.
Genealogy
The study of your family’s history; the process of tracing your ancestors back through time.
Genetic Marker
represents a specific location on a chromosome where the basic genetic units exist in a variable number of repeated copies
Genotype/Signature
the compilation of multiple genetic markers; serves as the unique genetic identifier for any given individual.
Haplogroup
an identification of the genetic group your ancient ancestors (10,000 to 60,000 years ago) belonged to; sometimes referred to as your branch of the world’s family tree
Haplotype
collectively, the marker values on your Y-DNA test results
Lineage
Direct line of descent from an ancestor; progeny
Maternal Line
Line of descent traced through the mother's ancestry
Mitochondrial DNA
genetic material both males and females inherit from their mothers. Because it’s passed down mostly unchanged from mothers to daughters, mtDNA can tell you about your maternal line—but the results reveal only “deep ancestry,” not definitive links to recent generations.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are the basic components of our genetic code. DNA is made up of four types of nucleic acids: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).
Recombination
Recombination is the mixing of the DNA on each chromosome that you receive from your mother and father. Different chromosomes and different parts of each chromosome are more or less likely to recombine in a single generation.
Surname
Last name, family name
Y Chromosome
genetic material passed down from father to son. Because surnames also pass from father to son, Y-DNA tests can confirm (or disprove) genealogical links through a paternal line. Y-DNA surname studies are the most popular application of genetic genealogy.
For more terms visit https://www.familytreedna.com/learn/glossary/
The Adoptee's Guide to DNA Testing by 
The DNA Guide for Adoptees by 
The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by 
Saxons, Vikings, and Celts by 
Surnames, DNA, and Family History by 
