The mitochondrial DNA first sequenced in 1981 which is used as a basis for comparison with mtDNA test results is Cambridge Reference Sequence (CRS)
Both men and women may take this test. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines. This test is for HVR1(16001-16569) of the mitochondrial DNA. A panel of twenty-two SNPs is included for backbone haplogroup placement. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal line. FtDna
Mitochondrial is passed from mother to child. Since only females pass on their mtDNA, testing the mtDNA tells about the mother, to her mother, and so on along the direct maternal line. Both males and females receive mtDNA from their mothers, so both men and women can test their mtDNA.
While mutations occur in mitochondrial DNA, the rate of mutation is relatively slow. Over thousands of years these mutations build up so that one female line will have a sequence distinguishable from another. As people spread throughout the world, mutations occasionally occurred in different populations over time. This allows us to test the mtDNA to identify the world origin of a person’s lineage.
mtDNA is tested and the result is compared to a reference sequence called the Cambridge Reference Sequence (CRS). By comparing an mtDNA sequence to the CRS, we can identify the ancient lineage to which you belong, called the haplogroup. Many haplogroups are continent-specific and some of their branches are region-specific.
Specific mitochondrial haplogroups are typically found in different regions of the world, and this is due to unique population histories. In the process of spreading around the world, many populations—with their special mitochondrial haplogroups—became isolated, and specific haplogroups concentrated in geographic regions. Today, we have identified certain haplogroups that originated in Africa, Europe, Asia, the islands of the Pacific, the Americas, and even particular ethnic groups. Of course, haplogroups that are specific to one region are sometimes found in another, but this is due to recent migration. FtDna
For further information and explanations on MtDna, please visit Family Tree Dna’s frequently asked questions and tutorial
To view FtDna’s full map of the migrations of the MtDna halplogroups, please click the image below on FtDna
MtDna Results & Grouping for our project members
H mtDNA Haplogroup
133708 H 16304C, 16311C
139509 16519C, 150T, 263G, 315.1C, 408A
J mtDNA Haplogroup
137371 J 16069T, 16126C, 16145A, 16231C, 16261T
K mtDNA Haplogroup
98500 K 16224C, 16256T, 16292T, 16311C, 16519C, 73G, 146C, 263G, 315.1C
L2 mtDNA Haploigroup
18958 . L2 16223T, 16278T, 16286T, 16294T, 16309G, 16390A, 16519C
143502 X 16183C, 16189C, 16223T, 16278T, 16519C 73G, 146C, 153G, 195C, 225A, 226C, 263G, 309.1C, 315.1C, 523.1C, 523.2A
The Chart below denotes differences in project members’ results when compared to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence