subject: Mitochondrial DNA Testing [print this page] Mitochondrial DNA Testing Mitochondrial DNA Testing
Mitochondrial DNA Testing is often used by genealogical researchers. Mitochondrial DNA is found in the cytoplasm of cells, instead of the nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA Testing allows insight into maternity issues. This is unlike more popularized techniques of DNA testing, which generally identifies paternal relationships. This type of testing can be used by law enforcement to help identify criminals, but is most useful to genealogical researchers and people researching their family trees.
One of the most popular uses of Mitochondrial DNA Testing is determining regions of origin and common ancestry. Mitochondrial DNA Testing can inform someone about what region their ancestors were originally from. Essentially, scientists can compare test results with research, and can find commonalities with populations in specific regions. Many people find this information infinitely useful when researching family history. Additionally, there are a number of people who are simply curious about such information, without delving into ancestry research. There are some African Americans who has used the availability of these tests to aid them in locating where in Africa their ancestors were taken from hundreds of years ago. Within the last few years, this has been popularized, as it was showcased on daytime television, on the highly-rated show, Oprah.
Interestingly enough, Mitochondrial DNA Testing can be used to identify someone's biogeographical ancestry. This means that Mitochondrial DNA Testing can identify certain markers in DNA which allow scientists to determine a likely biogeographical location. Many scientists recognize four biogeographical categories including Native American, European, East Asian, and African. This information have proven very useful for people researching family history and roots. Such identifications and information are considered controversial to some people, but many scientists believe there is a great deal of historical and scientific value in the information.
Mitochondrial DNA Testing analyzes the information in the cytoplasm of a cell, which is inherited from one's mother. As such, mitochondrial DNA has been commonly coined, "maternal DNA". Many scientists refer to this type of DNA as mtDNA, so as to save time when discussing results. The more common form of DNA testing identifies information stored in the nucleus of a cell, which is inherited from one's mother. As such, Mitochondrial DNA Testing offers a different perspective on biological traits and a multitude of additional options for scientists interested in testing.
From testing maternity, family ancestry, biogeographical ancestry, regions of origin, and more, Mitochondrial DNA Testing has a place in the future. As with any number of scientific discoveries, it is likely that there are even more possibilities for Mitochondrial DNA Testing. As a relatively new discovery, especially for the general public, the full extent of scientific options has yet to be explored. There are likely unlimited applications for such genetic information, which we will learn about in the coming decades of research. For now, this type of DNA testing has helped numerous people locate valuable information about their families, allowing them to delve deeper into family history.
