Combo DNA Ancestry Test

Combo DNA Ancestry Test – Trace Both Maternal & Paternal Lineages

What's your DNA story? Trace your maternal and paternal roots and discover new details about your family history with this combo ancestry DNA test.

• Includes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-DNA STR testing
• Trace your direct maternal and paternal lineages
• Access to extensive databases to match your DNA to populations around the world
• Find long-lost relatives, discover ancient origins, and compare against famous people
• Only men can take this combination test

Detailed Description

This combo ancestry DNA test analyzes your maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), as well as the short tandem repeat (STR) markers on your paternally inherited Y chromosome (Y-DNA). This allows you to trace your direct maternal lineage (your mother's, mother's, mother's… maternal lineage) and your direct paternal lineage (your father's, father's, father's… paternal lineage).

Important! Only MALES can take this combo test, as only males have Y-DNA. Females can trace their maternal lineage through the DNA Maternal Ancestry Test. To trace a paternal lineage, females must test a direct male line relative.

Test Options

• Standard Test: 20 Y-STR markers and mtDNA HVR1 sequence. Often sufficient for adequate resolution.
• Advanced Test: 44 Y-STR markers and mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 sequence.
• Premium Test: 101 Y-STR markers and the full mtDNA genome sequence (HVR1 + HVR2 + Coding Region). Highest resolution available.

Upgrade Option: Start with the Standard Test and upgrade to Advanced or Premium if higher resolution is needed — a cost-efficient approach.

What is mtDNA?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is found in the mitochondria of human cells. Each cell can contain several mitochondria, and each mitochondrion contains dozens of copies of mtDNA — meaning thousands of copies per cell. All of us inherit our mtDNA exclusively from our mothers. This mtDNA remains essentially unchanged through the maternal line, making it an incredibly useful tool for tracing maternal ancestry.

What is mtDNA Sequencing?

The circular mitochondrial genome has three regions — two small hypervariable (HVR) regions and a large coding region. It is possible to sequence just the HVR1 region, both hypervariable regions (HVR1 and HVR2), or the complete mitochondrial genome. The hypervariable regions comprise approximately 1,100 bases of the mtDNA genome and contain most of the variation. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,569 base pairs.

The entire DNA sequences for regions tested are provided in your mtDNA test report. Your results are compared to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS), and all positions that differ are listed. Your unique mtDNA sequence is known as your mtDNA profile. People descended from the same maternal lineage are expected to have identical or very similar mtDNA profiles. Different profiles conclusively confirm different maternal lineages.

What is Y-DNA?

Y-DNA refers to the DNA on the male Y chromosome. Males inherit an X chromosome from their mother and a Y chromosome from their father. Very little recombination occurs between the X and Y chromosomes, so Y-DNA remains essentially unchanged through the paternal line — making it an incredibly useful tool for tracing paternal ancestry.

What is a Y-STR Test?

A Y-STR test analyzes short tandem repeat (STR) markers on the Y chromosome. STR markers are short DNA segments repeated multiple times. The number of repeats differs between individuals, and closely related individuals will have similar Y-STR profiles. When two individuals take a Y-STR test, their results can be compared to determine a match and estimate how many generations ago they shared a common paternal ancestor (TMRCA — time to most recent common ancestor).

Four Powerful DNA Databases Included

• DNA Reunion Database: Search for long-lost family lines. Ideal for genealogists, adoptees, and individuals looking for biological relatives.
• Indigenous DNA Database: Determine which indigenous groups are most similar to your DNA type.
• DNA Haplogroups Database: Trace your ancestry back over 100,000 years to its ancient roots in Africa.
• Famous DNA Database: Compare your DNA to royalty and notable historical figures including Marie Antoinette, Genghis Khan, Nicholas Copernicus, and King Richard III.

How It Works

Step 1: Order your combo DNA ancestry test kit online.
Step 2: Collect your DNA sample using a painless mouth swab and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope.
Step 3: Receive your results online.