Mother's Day & mtDNA

Perhaps it is just coincidental that we're getting so many emails about mtDNA just before Mother's Day, but it's worth talking about, so let's dive in, shall we?

Biology taught us that males (very basically) have X and Y chromosomes, and females (very basically) have two X chromosomes. The Y is passed from father to sons, and we are told can be traced back to the Garden of Eden. Mothers, being the generous souls that they can be, pass Mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA, on to both sons and daughters and this data can also be used to trace back to those ancient ancestors. The latest data collections and research are yielding great results for genealogists!

So, what is the difference between DNA and mtDNA? Where it is found in the reproductive cell. Think of your basic hen's egg, with the yolk and the white inside the shell. The X and Y DNA cells are found in the nucleus, or yolk, and the mtDNA cells are surrounding the nucleus like the egg white.

Since so many historical references, like the censuses, and some birth records, don't give many clues about MAIDEN names, doing an mtDNA test MAY help you break through those brickwalls. Your matches are ONLY on the mother's sides.

Please NOTE Ancestry and MyHeritage DNA tests only do AUTOSOMAL testing, they do NOT reveal mtDNA matches. FamilyTreeDNA claims to have the largest database for finding matches, and mtDNA testing is on sale for $119 (save $40) through May 12. Here is a link to their prices and bundles. If you already have tested your DNA there, they will try to use your existing sample to run more tests. If not, they will send you a new kit. Sadly, you can't just upload your existing DNA results from other companies to get mtDNA results, you need to test again.

What mom among us wouldn't want to spit in a tube for Mother's Day?

For further reading about mtDNA besides

FTDNA, check out FamilyLocket.com, they have blogs, courses, and YouTube videos, or Diahan Southard's YourDNAGuide at https://www.yourdnaguide.com/ydgblog. She also happens to have a new course starting soon about mtDNA, and there is the seemingly more scientific information also available at the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (WISOGG) Wiki at https://isogg.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_DNA_tests.

This week marks the 3rd anniversary of this blog! How time does fly!

A huge "Thank you" to all of you, my subscribers and clients! As always, we offer a no obligation free evaluation of your existing trees, and love to get your questions.

Regards,

Leslie Ryan

WhoIComeFromInfo@gmail.com

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