If you’ve taken a DNA test at one of the major testing companies, it’s most likely been an autosomal test (atDNA). This test analyzes the 22 pairs of chromosomes (excluding the 23rd pair of sex chromosomes), revealing ethnicity, genetic cousins, etc., from both sides of your family.
A mitochondrial DNA test (mtDNA) reveals information about your direct maternal line (your mother’s mother’s mother, and so on). This can be the next step if you have a brick wall on your matrilineal line.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why mtDNA testing is worth considering, what the results can tell you, and the best steps to take once you have your data. Once you understand what mtDNA is good for (and what it isn’t), you’ll start to see how it can fit into your family history research.
Taking a DNA test could help you build your family tree. To learn more, check out my blog post, “How To Start Using DNA In Genealogy Research.”
As a professional genealogist, I’m always learning something new. Lately, I’ve been curious about the different types of DNA tests available, especially mtDNA. I decided to order an mtDNA test kit from Family Tree DNA, and now that I have my results, I’d love to share what I’ve learned.
What is Mitochondria?
Mitochondria, the plural of mitochondrion, are found in every human cell, except red blood cells. They are responsible for energy production in the body by converting the food we eat into a form of energy that our bodies can use. Without mitochondria, our cells wouldn’t function properly.
Why Take an mtDNA Test and What is it Good For?
Mitochondrial DNA is unique because it’s passed down almost unchanged from a mother to ALL her children. Men and women both inherit mtDNA, but only women pass it on to the next generation. This means that if taking an mtDNA test is the right move for you, anyone can take the test. So, why do it and what is it good for?
- Tracing Maternal Lines: It focuses solely on the mother’s side. Autosomal DNA can’t. It’s the best tool we have for exploring your direct maternal line.
- Brick Walls: If you’re stuck trying to trace a woman’s maiden name or origins, mtDNA can sometimes confirm connections or point you in the right direction.
- Ancient Roots: mtDNA reveals your haplogroup, which tells you about your deep maternal ancestry and ancient migration patterns going back hundreds of years. For example, you might learn your maternal ancestors came from Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, or Eastern Europe.
- Relationship Confirmation: It’s useful to confirm or rule out a maternal relationship, especially when other records are missing or unclear.
- Native-American Heritage: mtDNA and Y-DNA (paternal line) tests that show haplogroups are usually the best ways of proving Native-American heritage.
If your goal is to learn more about your maternal heritage or break through maternal brick walls, mtDNA may be your answer.
Making Sense of Your mtDNA Results
When you open your mtDNA results, you’ll see several key pieces of information:
Haplogroup: Think of this as your maternal branch on the human family tree. It tells you about the ancient origins of your maternal line. For example, my haplogroup J is common in Europe, migrating north out of Africa.
Matches: Your test results will include a list of people who share mtDNA with you. These matches may have a close genetic distance (meaning they’re likely more closely related) or a distant one, depending on their genetic distance.
Genetic Distance: A genetic distance of 0 means you have an exact match, which can indicate a close maternal connection, but it doesn’t have to. A distance of 1 or 2 indicates that there are a few differences in your DNA, which could suggest a shared maternal ancestor from many, many generations ago.
What To Do With Your Matches
So, you have a list of matches, now what?
Look for Familiar Surnames and Locations: Review your matches’ family trees (if they have them) and focus on the maternal line.
Reach Out: Send a friendly message to your closest matches. Share your maternal line details and ask if they recognize any names or places. Email addresses are included with your matches, making it easy to contact them. Take a look at where my matches are from – wow!
Build a Maternal Tree: Start with your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and trace back as far as you can. This makes it easier to see where your maternal line overlaps with others.
Compare Trees: If a match has a public tree, look for potential connections, especially among women whose maiden names or origins you don’t know.
Combining mtDNA With Other DNA Tests
mtDNA is most powerful when used alongside other DNA tests, such as autosomal DNA or Y-DNA.
- Autosomal DNA + mtDNA: Autosomal results can identify relationships within the past 5–7 generations, while mtDNA can confirm if that connection is on the maternal side.
- Y-DNA + mtDNA: If you test both your paternal (Y-DNA) and maternal (mtDNA) lines, you get a more complete picture of your direct ancestral roots.
Remember, mtDNA on its own won’t build out your family tree. Think of it as a tool that complements your paper research and other DNA tests.
Limitations of mtDNA Testing
While mtDNA is valuable, it’s not a magic wand for every genealogy problem. Here are a few limitations to keep in mind:
- One Line Only: It traces just one ancestral line, which means you’re looking at a very small slice of your family tree.
- Ancient Matches: Many of your matches may be connected hundreds or even thousands of years ago, making it difficult to find a specific ancestor.
- Patience Required: Not all matches have family trees, and some may not respond to messages.
Understanding these limits will help you set realistic expectations and avoid frustration.
Next Steps With Your mtDNA
To get the most from your mtDNA results, try these steps:
- Document Your Maternal Line: Create a detailed chart or family group sheet just for your mother’s line.
- Join mtDNA Projects: Testing companies often have haplogroup or geographic projects. Joining these groups can help you connect with others and learn more about your maternal line’s origins.
- Combine DNA With Records: Use traditional research methods (census records, vital records, etc.) to confirm what you learn from DNA.
- Stay Up-to-date: As more people test, your mtDNA matches may become more useful over time.
Finally
mtDNA testing is used for specific genealogical problems, but it can also reveal fascinating details about your maternal ancestors. Even if you don’t get immediate answers, the information you’ve collected is valuable. It connects you to a lineage that stretches back through generations of women, each with her own story to tell.
Genealogy tip: Look for sales on all types of DNA tests. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Black Friday are usually the best times of the year to buy.
DNA is only one piece of the puzzle. If you need help building a family tree or discovering your immigrant ancestor, click below to set up your free 30-minute consultation.
