My Mitochondrial DNA and Genealogical Research

My Mitochondrial DNA and Genealogical Research

Table of Contents
Introduction to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
DNA Changes Over Time and the Creation of Haplogroups
mtDNA Haplogroup Z Project
Email Me
Website Index

Introduction to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
As a part of my genealogical research, I voluntarily submitted my mitochondrial DNA for mapping. This was done in an effort to identify other individuals, who had also freely chosen to use mitochondrial mapping as a part of their own family research, who are related to my family.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is unique in that it is only passed down from the mother to all of her children. For example, you possess the mitochondrial DNA of your MATERNAL (your mother's mother) DNA, as do any male or female siblings that you may have. However, if you are male, the mitochondrial DNA possessed by ALL of your children (both male and female) came from their mother, not from you. In other words, mitochondrial DNA follows the DNA of the maternal/female line back through time.

On the other hand, mapping of the Y chromosome, which determines gender, is one way to track the paternal side of the family. For example, your father and his brothers all have the same Y chromosome as your father's father. Your sons will also have the same Y chromosome as their father, their paternal grandfather, and on back through the male line of the family. I have created a sample family tree to demonstrate from whom the son will inherit both his Y and mitochondrial DNA. If Doug, the son, had a sister she would posess the same mitodchondrial DNA as Doug, but would not carry the Y chromosome because she is female.

DNA Changes Over Times and the Creation of Haplogroups

All DNA undergoes minute changes from one generation to the next. However, these changes are typically quite small, so relatives with similar great-grandparents, or even a shared relative 20 generations ago, will still have very similar mitochondrial or Y chromosome DNA.

These similarities have been divided into "haplogroups." A haplogroup consists of a group of individuals with very similar genetic markers. Belonging to a specific haplogroup means that, somewhere in the past, you shared a relative with your fellow haplogroup members. Your mitochondrial or Y DNA is no longer identical to that of anyone else, but there are enough similarities in your DNA to determine that you have a relative in common with others in your haplogroup at some point in the past.

For a more detailed explanation of both mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA you can visit Family Tree DNA. Please note that this is a for-profit company specializing in genealogical DNA testing. Their focus is on the recreation of lost family links, and is not used to test for paternity, alimony, or other legal purposes. Family Tree DNA does not test for medical conditions, will guarantee the privacy of all those tested, and allows you to remove your name and genetic information from their database at any time. I have no connections with this organization beyond the fact that I used their services to map my own mtDNA.

mtDNA Haplogroup Z Project
When my mitochondrial DNA was mapped I learned I was a member of the mtDNA Haplogroup Z. Quoting from the mtDNA Haplogroup Z Project, "A major project goal is bringing in members who have maternal line origins representative of the various regions within Asia and Europe where Z originated and/or is currently found. Some common locations include -- but are by no means limited to -- Scandinavia, Russia, Korea, China and Japan."

According to the Genographic Project's Atlas of the Human Journey "Haplogroup Z arose on the high plains of Central Asia between the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. It is considered a characteristic Siberian lineage, and today accounts for around three percent of the entire mitochondrial gene pool found there. Because of its old age and frequency throughout northern Eurasia, it is widely accepted that this lineage was carried by the first humans to settle these remote areas.

"In contrast, Ingman and Gyllensten's 2006 study found Z in percentages up to 7.2 among Finnish Saami, and 4.3 among southern Swedish Saami. Surprisingly, although their total sample size for Norwegian Saami numbered 278, none of those were haplogroup Z. As of December 2008, Z represents 1% of all mtDNA results in the Finland DNA Project

As a member of the mtDNA Haplogroup Z I have been able to contact a number of distant relatives in Europe and Scandinavia, which has helped me with my own genealogical research. mtDNA mapping has been a very useful and interesting way to expand my genealogical studies and communicate with fellow mtDNA Haplogroup Z members. (All of these individuals had also previously elected to send in their own mtDNA mapping to assist their own genealogical work.) As my work expands, I will consider asking male family members to undergo mapping of their Y chromosome.

This effort is an on-going project, subject to the errors and omissions of all human activities. I gladly receive inquiries, corrections, additions and comments.
Email Jane at poyskyfamily@aol.com

Back to the Welcome Page

Website Index

Music: Jean Sibelius' Festive March from Sibelius: Works for a Mixed Choir a capella with the Jubilate Choir

Festive March performed by the Jubilate Choir" width="50" height="100" align="bottom" controls="console" autostart="true" loop="3">

My Mitochondrial DNA and Genealogical Research

Table of Contents

Introduction to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

DNA Changes Over Time and the Creation of Haplogroups

mtDNA Haplogroup Z Project

Email Me

Website Index

Introduction to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

DNA Changes Over Times and the Creation of Haplogroups

mtDNA Haplogroup Z Project

Website Index

Introduction

History

Family Tree Graphics to View on the Computer

Family Trees in PDF Format for Printing

Historical and Modern Photos and Maps

Navigating This Site, Links, and Contacting the Author

Search this Site and Site Map.