Maternal Relative DNA Comparison (MtDNA)
When the mother is missing or unable to participate, the maternal relative comparison, or MtDNA test, can determine whether two individuals (male or female) have the same mother. This test is widely used in situations where there has been an adoption and the mother is not available. It can establish the maternity of a child by testing the mother’s sister, aunt or uncle.
MtDNA stands for mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria, which exist in every cell, are normally inherited only from the mother. (There are mitochrondria in the male sperm as well, but they are destroyed by the egg after fertilization.) Thus we can trace a person’s maternal ancestry far back in time.
This test is useful for men or women who wish to confirm their maternal ancestry. It is used often for genealogy. It is also used by medical researchers to confirm the presence of genetic vulnerability to certain diseases. All children from the same mother share some of her mitochondrial DNA.
Maternal Relative Comparison Yields Information About Mother
As with our other DNA tests, the process of administering the DNA test kit is simple. (You can buy the kit online for $150 or obtain it at one of our offices in , or counties.)
All participants take a cheek (buccal) swab of cells from the inside of the mouth. This is painless and easy, and performed with a tool that resembles a Q-tip. The instructions in the kit explain how to perform the sample-taking, and also guidelines for handling and storage. The sample is then mailed in a special envelope to our lab. Results are available within three to five working days.
Maternal Mitochrondria Is Analyzed in MtDNA
While paternity gets much of the publicity in the media, identifying the mother is equally important in some situations. If there has been an adoption or some sort of separation after birth, the child may be perpetually plagued by doubt and questions. In these cases, a maternal relative DNA test is worth its weight in gold.
Whether it’s a matter of genealogy, inheritance or simple peace of mind, there are many reasons why people feel they need to know more about their maternal ancestors.
A MtDNA test can reveal information about the mother and her ancestors. In fact, some scientists have attempted to answer questions about the origins of the species by tracing certain lines of mitochondrial DNA back through the ages to a single woman— a program called the Mitochondrial Eve project.
MtDNA Tests Your Mother’s Relatives
The maternal relative DNA (MtDNA) test is a simple way to set your mind at ease. It can also be used to disprove wrong assumptions. Whether it’s to establish a geneaological line or identify long-lost relatives, to locate the woman who gave birth to a child or establish a child’s claim to assets or custody, it’s no longer a matter of heresay and guesswork.
Call our offices and speak with one of our friendly and helpful representatives. It’s possible that the questions you’ve been asking for however long a time can be answered within three to five business days.
