The mitochondrial DNA test (frequently abbreviated as mtDNA)is offered by FTDNA. It examines the special kind of DNA in mitochondria. Mitochondria are cellular components which produce energy that our body uses. They are not in the cellular nuclei like chromosomes, but are found outside the nucleus of both women and men. This special DNA is found in the mitochondria of both men and women, it is provided only by the mother and passed down with only minor mutations over time through the matrilineal (direct female) line. Since both men and women possess mitochondria, this test applicable for both men ans women.

 

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing is primarily obtained from Family Tree DNA who can obtain the complete sequence of the mitochondria DNA (approximately 16,569 pairs of nucleotides (individual molecules that make up DNA) or alternatively just two regions (known as HVR1 and HVR2) that can provide  valuable but  perhaps less complete. Mitochrondria are present in each of the cells in your body outside of the nucleus, male or female, and contain unique circular strands of DNA. The mtDNA are responsible for producing the energy required for the cells in your body. 23andMe also tests mtDNA but only tests the mitochondria at approximately three thousand specific sites (called "SNP" testing).

 

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup

 

The DNA present in mitochondria are passed on to children (sons and daughters), but only from the mother. Hence you can effectively trace only your mother, mother's mother, mother's mother's mother, mother's mother's mothers mother, and so on. Its important to realize that you can effectively compare yourself (male or female) to any other prospective relative who may share one of these ancestral women. You can also obtain information about the location of your maternal line thousands of years ago.

 

Who can take this test?

What are its strengths?

What are its weaknesses?

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