When to use mtDNA?
Maternity Testing
mtDNA is passed from a mother to her children. So, by analyzing the mtDNA of a mother and child, maternity can be confirmed.
Sibling Studies
All maternal relatives have the same mtDNA. Siblings have the exact same mtDNA as their biological mother. mtDNA testing can prove if two people share the same mother.
Geneology Studies
Since mtDNA is found in old to ancient remains, mtDNA profiles can be traced to tens of thousands of years ago..
Forensic Case Work
mtDNA can be extracted from hair, bones and teeth. Old, unidentified remains can be compared to the mtDNA profile(s) of available, suspected maternal relatives. This has proven to be extremely useful in cases involving compromised DNA samples such as those found in mass disasters, missing persons investigations, or cases involving limited samples of questionable quality.
How to start?
| Step 1: |
Fill out our mtDNA Test Application and fax it to 972-420-0442 or call 1-800-DNA-EXAM to request a quote for your DNA testing needs. |
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We will provide a quote with all test fees and any additional fees that may incur due to special situations. Upon agreement, samples shall be prepared and submitted to our lab. |
| Step 3: |
Once samples are received, analysis will begin. Average turnaround is approximately two weeks, at which point a certified copy of the results will be sent to you. We also include a letter of explanation for your convenience.
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MtDNA testing is a powerful technology, which has received much recognition within the last decade. The DNA Identity Testing Center at Bio-Synthesis, Inc. (BSI) is currently sequencing mtDNA samples for maternal lineage confirmation and criminal investigations. For more information about mtDNA analysis, contact us now!
What is mtDNA analysis?
There are two kinds of DNA in the cell – nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Within the nucleus of any (nucleated) human cell, you can expect to find hundreds of copies of mtDNA, and only two copies of nuclear DNA. mtDNA analysis is often the preferred method used by forensic scientists. Because mitochondria are structurally strong and protect the DNA they contain, mtDNA can be extracted from old to ancient remains, including hair, bones and teeth. It is passed from generation to generation along maternal lineage. There is no change in mtDNA from mother to offspring. mtDNA allows DNA profiles to be obtained from evidence that may not be suitable for other analysis.
A DNA sample that is old may not have nuclear matter left in the cell, which can impede on conventional, nuclear DNA analysis. MtDNA, however, is extremely hardy and abundant and will often surpass nuclear DNA in terms of viability.
mtDNA analysis is also extremely useful for degraded evidence or that which may have been improperly stored. Sometimes, these degraded samples are unable to yield results with standard analysis techniques.
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