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Maternal lineage test basics

The maternal lineage ancestry test looks at a particular type of DNA known as mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA tends to have a very low mutation rate as it is passed down from one generation to another. Therefore, the mitochondrial DNA found in the mother will tend to be very similar to that found in her children, leading to a process whereby the same DNA will be passed on for several thousands of generations.

As a result, genetic research has discovered that there are large groups of people, called haplogroups, that have the same genetic profile in their mitochondrial DNA. Combining science with history, an association has been established between these particular groups and the various areas of the globe they have settled in throughout the course of history.

Useful information and links

Click here to read A Beginner’s Guide to DNA Ancestry Testing which compares the different types of ancestry DNA tests we offer.

To see a list of possible maternal haplogroups and their descriptions, visit our mtDNA haplogroup page.

Read about mitochondrial DNA and how it differs from nuclear DNA?

 

The three areas analyzed in our MtDNA test are:

  • 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 affinity to a haplogroup; it could also further refine a haplogroup into sub-groups, also called sub-clades.

How much does the maternal lineage test cost?

For just your test will cover all three of the above regions, giving you the best coverage of genetic markers for the highest resolution in finding your haplogroup. Results will be available in 4-5 weeks from the receipt of the samples at the laboratory.  The test is offered at $559.

As a special package, we are offering a dual lineage test (maternal and paternal) for the special price of $685. Please note the duo lineage test is only available for male test participants.

What is included in my maternal lineage test?

  • Your haplogroup designation and a haplogroup description page;
  • A personalized map depicting your ancestors’ journey and where they initially settled in the ancient world;
  • Your mtDNA raw data, listing the differences between your sequence and that of the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence;
  • Facts about your haplogroup, including which parts of the world you can find your “genetic cousins” and famous people who share the same haplogroup as you do.

Click here to view a full-color copy of the maternal certificate.

Read our: FAQs on lineage testing.

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