DNA Origins® Maternal Lineage

Details

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed down from mother to child relatively unchanged through several generations. Our mtDNA contains markers that can be traced to our early ancestors and where they settled thousands of years ago.

Results of a maternal lineage test are expressed in terms of haplogroups—genetic groups of people who share the same set of DNA markers and can be traced to a certain geographic area that they settled at a particular point in human history.

Test Results Include:

• Personalized Certificate PDF: Displays your haplogroup designation and map showing your ancestors' journey and where they initially settled in the old world. Results accessed online
• Results Manual PDF: Explains your results in detail and provides more information about ancestry testing and human migration history. Results accessed online

The Science

There are three possible areas in our mtDNA that can be tested:

• HVRI Testing: this region is usually sufficient to determine a person's haplogroup
• HVRII and HVRIII Testing: these two regions can provide more detail if HVSI testing is not sufficient to determine connection to a haplogroup; it could also further refine a haplogroup into sub-groups, also called sub-clades

Our testing includes all three areas, giving you the best coverage of genetic markers for the highest probability of determining your haplogroup.

The Science behind your Maternal Lineage (mtDNA) DNA Test

What makes mitochondrial DNA special? Several characteristics of mitochondrial DNA distinguish it from the rest of your cells' DNA, called nuclear DNA.

Results of a maternal lineage test are expressed in terms of haplogroups—genetic groups of people who share the same set of DNA markers and can be traced to a certain geographic area that they settled at a particular point in human history.Mitochondrial DNA is:

Found in the cytoplasm, outside the nucleus
• Only passed through the mother. During fertilization, only nuclear DNA from the sperm enters the cell; thus the father does not make any contribution to the mitochondrial DNA
• Abundant in number. While your nuclear chromosomes are only found in two copies per cell, one from your mother and one  from your father, mtDNA is found much more abundantly—anywhere between hundreds to thousands of copies per cell
• Small and circular. While nuclear DNA is made up of much longer strands of DNA that are tightly coiled into chromosomes, mitochondrial DNA is found as a small, circular chromosome

Mitochondrial DNA codes for proteins that are involved in cellular respiration. In addition, certain regions of the mtDNA are useful for ancestry research. These regions are called hypervariable regions (HVR).

HVRs are the site where the most mutations occur in mtDNA. On average, one letter in the sequence of mtDNA changes every 1,500 years. This change is then passed on to succeeding generations. The changes in an individual's mtDNA comprise his or her haplotype—the mitochondrial DNA profile—that allows scientists to assign a person to his or her haplogroup, a group of people with similar haplotypes. The haplogroup is associated with a historical and geographical origin.

How It Works

Get your DNA Origins® Maternal Lineage Report in 4 Easy Steps

1. ORDER KIT: Place your order through our online store and we’ll ship your DNA collection kit to your preferred address
2. SEND DNA: Use our simple kit to collect a DNA sample and mail samples to the lab
3. ANALYZE DNA: Your sample is then analyzed by our federally-certified lab
4. GET REPORT: 6-8 weeks after samples arrive at the lab, a detailed personal report is uploaded to your secure online account

FAQs

About This Brand

DNA Origins® strives to give customers a simple and affordable way to unlock the ancestral secrets contained within their DNA. We are proud to offer a variety of services that lets each person decide what level of their ancestry they want to discover. Our focus is to continue researching new technology and methods to provide people a way to bridge the gap between their ancestral past and present.

Established in 1995, DNA Diagnostics Center (“DDC”) was founded on the belief that technological advancements in DNA testing should translate to services that are accessible and affordable to everyone. We have built an international reputation based on our commitment to reliability, innovation, and value by offering DNA testing services for paternity and other family relationships, forensics, animal breeders and veterinarians, and now wellness-inspired consumers. DDC's laboratory in Fairfield, Ohio is nationally and internationally recognized through multiple accreditations.

As an industry leader in DNA testing, we offer:

• A fully-accredited laboratory with state-of-the-art technology and robotics to ensure accuracy
• A large team of expert PhDs to conduct results screening, testing, and research
• A secured facility with established screening protocols to guarantee privacy and security

For over 25 years, we have earned the trust of our customers by carefully handling over 20 million DNA samples. Your sensitive DNA test results always remain confidential, and we will not sell your personal data to third parties. DDC is the DNA testing laboratory trusted around the world.