Information that women and men can derive from their mitochondrial DNA

The specific attributes of the mtDNA

Maternal line: the Mitochondrial-DNA is passed on from the mother to her children. All children from the same mother have the same Mitochondrial-DNA.

A mitochondrial DNA test tells you where your maternal ancestors come from. The mtDNA test shows not only the origin of your maternal ancestors, but also with whom you are related in the maternal line. You can use the results of your mitochondrial DNA test both for searching for relatives all over the world or for a regional project.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is located outside the chromosomes of a cell in the mitochondria. mtDNA is inherited only from the mother. Therefore, children from one woman all have the same mtDNA. The children of the daughters of this woman also have the same mtDNA, and so on. Children inherit mtDNA only from their mother. An analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) enables you to discover your own family history in the maternal line.

What are your genetic roots?

A mitochondrial DNA test tells you your haplogroup (your tribe from primeval times) and from which Ancient tribe from ancient times (Celts, Vikings, Jews, etc.) your ancestors came. You also discover the area in which your profile is typical and where your ancestors lived during the middle ages (500 AD to 1500 AD). Depending on the genetic profile, unequivocal allocation is not always possible. All possible Ancient tribes are listed in such cases. DNA genealogy also enables you to find 'genetic cousins', i.e., people with whom you share common ancestors. By exchanging information such as family tree records with your 'genetic cousins', you broaden your knowledge of the history of your family.

Along with researching your own origins, you can use your results to investigate the gene pool of a specific region. You can learn which families come from the same region, how closely they are connected and related to each other, and to which haplogroups and ancient tribes they belong. These results don't always need to be compared with recorded family trees, but can also be compared with historical sources. Was this region an Alemannic colony? Find out what traces of the ancient tribes left in the genes of the modern population. Perhaps your hometown is an unusual case in history?

Maternal lineage projects

In a maternal lineage project an investigation of the biological relationship between people with the same or similar places of origin is conducted.

Maternal lineage projects are conducted via the internet. The worldwide largest database of maternal lineage projects is managed by FamilyTreeDNA (iGENEA). Starting a maternal lineage project or joining an existing one is free of charge and is useful if you would like to find distant relatives from your maternal line, or extend or verify your family tree.

This is how the DNA origin analysis works

A Mucus Sample suffices to get a sample of your DNA. Taking the sample is simple and painless and can be done at home. Send the samples with the envelop included in the sampling kit.