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What's your DNA story? Trace your roots and discover new details about your family history on your mother's side.
This DNA test sequences your maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), allowing you to trace the ancestry of your direct maternal lineage (your mother's, mother's, mother's… maternal lineage).
The mtDNA contains three regions: HVR1, HVR2, and Coding. Testing the HVR1 and HVR2 regions allows you to use all search and analysis features of the database. Testing all three regions is required to confirm your mtDNA haplogroup and subclade.
Upgrade Option: Start with the Standard Test and upgrade to Advanced or Premium if higher resolution is needed — a cost-efficient approach.
Both males and females have mtDNA, so both genders can take this test to trace their maternal ancestry. However, only females pass their mtDNA down to the next generation.
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.
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.
Your mtDNA sequencing results are compared to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS), and all positions that differ are listed in your report. 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.
Step 1: Order the DNA Maternal Ancestry test online. Enjoy the convenience of having the kit delivered straight to your doorstep.
Step 2: Register and activate your kit online, then collect your DNA sample using the painless mouth swab included. Place your sample in the prepaid return envelope and mail it to the lab.
Step 3: Once your sample arrives, it will be tested with precision and care. Access your results through the secure online platform — private and confidential.