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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2005-01 > 1106160076


From: "William Hurst" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Value of the mtDNA Test
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:41:16 -0500
References: <B4E6E441-6A42-11D9-BF83-000393D35286@comcast.net>


Martha wrote:

> I am trying to understand whether it's worth paying for the mtDNA test.
> If "nearly all modern Europeans descend from one of seven 'clan
> mothers' who lived at different times during the Ice Age,"
> (http://www.geocities.com/haplogroupb/) and my family is from Europe,
> I'm really not sure knowing which of seven means that much to me. Might
> someone make argument(s) for or against this extra cost?

First of all, the mtDNA test will tell you more than just which daughter of
Eve you are descended from. The results you get will tell you which of the
540 mutations you have (for the HVR1 test) measured against a standard
called the Cambridge Reference Sequence (CRS). In many cases, you will find
that you are in a subdivision of a clan. I found that I am in K or Katrine's
Clan; but based on the specific mutations I have, I am in K1, which implies
a Scottish maternal ancestry. K is rare enough, being about 8% of those of
European descent. K1 is even rarer. But looking at all my 12 mutations in
HVR1 and HVR2, I have zero matches at FTDNA.

There are many places on the net where you can find information about the
different clans. You have to remember that DNA testing is in its infancy, so
you can test now and sit back and wait for developments - which will come.

For mtDNA in particular - since there are no surname projects - you might
want to find some brickwall in your genealogy which might be solved by
testing. I proved a set of 3rd great grandparents by getting two distant
cousins to test; they have a perfect match. For details see:
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/GENEALOGY-DNA/2003-10/1065235553

Whether it's worth the money is up to you. I rate DNA testing somewhere
below groceries, mortgage, cable TV, and uh, well, that's about it. I must
confess I've taken about every test possible and consider it money well
spent.

Bill Hurst

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