Autosomal DNA

Published: 6th Nov, 2021

Context

A technique based on 'autosomal DNA' has been used for the first time to identify the great-grandson and closest living relative of Sitting Bull, a prominent 19th century Native American leader.

What is Autosomal DNA?

Autosomal DNA is our non-gender-specific DNA.
The technique searches for ‘autosomal DNA’ in the genetic fragments extracted from a body sample.
The autosomal DNA technique can be used even when very limited genetic data are available, like in this case.
It could be used in the future to identify living descendants of other long-dead historical figures.

The usual technique

Usually, DNA techniques such as mitochondrial DNA, which means DNA passed from the mother or Y chromosome DNA passed down the male line, have been used in genetic searches.

Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull is most famous for his victory over US General George Armstrong Custer in the Battle of the Little Bighorn River in 1876.
Five companies of the US Army were completely wiped out in the battle, considered widely to be the most significant Native American military victory in US history.
Sitting Bull, who hailed from the Lakota branch of the Great Sioux Nation or Oceti Sakowin, was killed in 1890 by ‘Indian Police’, acting on behalf of the US government.

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Autosomal DNA

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