407,336
edits
typos
(DNA) |
(typos) |
||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a small circular genetic molecule found outside the nucleus in organelles called mitochondria. It is inherited exclusively from our mothers and it follows an unbroken maternal line. MtDNA is helpful in verifying the existence of a common maternal ancestor or to study the ancient origins of our maternal line. MtDNA lineages can be grouped together in a large [http://www.phylotree.org/ mtDNA tree]. Each branch of this tree may have a specific geographic distribution that might help someone locate the country of origin of their maternal line. | Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a small circular genetic molecule found outside the nucleus in organelles called mitochondria. It is inherited exclusively from our mothers and it follows an unbroken maternal line. MtDNA is helpful in verifying the existence of a common maternal ancestor or to study the ancient origins of our maternal line. MtDNA lineages can be grouped together in a large [http://www.phylotree.org/ mtDNA tree]. Each branch of this tree may have a specific geographic distribution that might help someone locate the country of origin of their maternal line. | ||
MtDNA testing can be done for a small section of the genome called the control region (which usually include the segments HVR1, 2 and/or 3), or for the full molecule (16569 bases). [http://www.familytreedna.com/mt-dna-compare.aspx Family Tree DNA] is currently the only commercial | MtDNA testing can be done for a small section of the genome called the control region (which usually include the segments HVR1, 2 and/or 3), or for the full molecule (16569 bases). [http://www.familytreedna.com/mt-dna-compare.aspx Family Tree DNA] is currently the only commercial laboratory offering the complete mtDNA sequence to its customers. | ||
Note: Although mtDNA is inherited exclusively along the maternal side, both males and females carry it. Only females will pass it on to their children. | Note: Although mtDNA is inherited exclusively along the maternal side, both males and females carry it. Only females will pass it on to their children. | ||
== Autosomal DNA Testing == | == Autosomal DNA Testing == | ||