Mitochondrial DNA is unique and a very powerful genealogical tool. The DNA contained in the mitochondrion remains virtually unchanged as it passes from generation to generation on the maternal line. But don’t men have mitochondria?. Yes of course they do, but they got them from their mothers!
The female egg is teeming with mitochondria, the battery packs of the cells, and as you can imagine the egg will very much need all the energy it can get if it is to develop into a human foetus after fertilisation. The male sperm on the other hand is quite a bit smaller than the egg and only needs the energy required to swim up the fallopian tubes towards the egg. By contrast, the sperm only harbours a few mitochondria and when fertilisation takes place, the tail of the sperm, along with it’s mitochondria is jettisoned from the egg so that none of it’s mitochondria gain access to the egg.
Then when cell division occurs, only the mitochondria from the mother’s egg is copied and this is why our mtDNA is fully traceable through our maternal line.
Literally speaking, your results from a mitochondrial DNA test are simply a long string of letters, TATTGACTCA... Depending on the specific test you order, the length of the string will range from 340 to 1100 bases. Everyone’s maternal DNA is compared to a reference sequence and only the differences are reported.
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. The customer receives a certificate and report generally describing the testing process and the meaning of matches. Results are placed in our database. When another person shows identical results, if both parties have signed the DNA Ireland Release Form then we will inform them of the match.
This test is useful for building a family trees. It can prove or disprove a relationship on any given maternal line enabling you to scientifically confirm distant relatives.
Call or email us for a sampling kit (kitrequest@dnaireland.ie). Cost : €450.00
