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1. What is an mtDNA test? What will it tell me? faq id: 507

   An mtDNA test looks at your female-inherited mitochondrial DNA. Because mtDNA is passed from a mother to her children with no input from any spouses along the way, this test will look at your direct maternal line only. You can view an illustration here: http://www.familytreedna.com/inheritance-chart.aspx. The mtDNA tests provide information regarding the single origin of your direct maternal line.

2. Should I order the mtDNA HVR2 refinement test? faq id: 508

   The mtDNA Refine test allows us to look for high resolution matches with other individuals, who would be the people in the database who are most likely to share a common ancestor with you in a genealogical time frame.  It will usually also  reduce the least likely matches that you have in the database.  If you have many HVR1 matches usually the upgrade is a good idea.

3. What will the mtDNA Full Sequence test tell me? faq id: 509
   There are several reasons that a person might wish to test the full mitochondrial DNA sequence. - to determine the most extended haplogroup assignment according to currently published research, including the ability to refine the haplogroup assignment further as more research is published without the need for further testing. - to identify whether a relationship is likely to be close or distant. - to have the full sequence available to compare with research, to include in research, and to eliminate the need to perform additional mtDNA testing on the sample. Not everyone needs the full sequence in order to find out the information they are looking for. However, it has already become the standard test used by researchers studying the mtDNA, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes the standard test for individuals wanting to use their mtDNA results for genealogical purposes.
4. What is a Y-DNA test? What will it tell me? faq id: 511

   The Y-DNA test looks at DNA of the Y-chromosome which is passed from father to son and is only found in males. Because yDNA is passed from father to son with no input from any spouses along the way, this test will look at your direct paternal line only. You can view an illustration here: http://www.familytreedna.com/inheritance-chart.aspx. Females do not receive the Y-DNA, and therefore females cannot be tested for the paternal line. If you are a female and would like to know about your paternal line, you would need to have a brother or a male relative from that line to be tested. YDNA useful in verifying common ancestry between two males, finding genetic cousins on the paternal line, and determining geographic origins of the direct paternal line as well as the deep ancestral origins.

5. Why should I order additional Y-DNA markers? faq id: 512

   You should test more markers when you want to compare additional markers against others with similar results to you. The additional markers do not provide information about the geographic or deep origin of your paternal line. They are simply used to compare your results against the results of others and to further refine your matches. They can also help refine (reduce the number of) matches in your Recent Ancestral Origins report page. If you do not have many matches at this time or many matches that have tested more markers, you may still choose to test more markers. That way, as the database grows and you gain additional matches, you will be able to make more refined or selective comparisons.  If you currently have many Y12 or Y25 marker matches you should certainly consider upgrading your Y DNA profile to a higher level.

6. Should I test my Y-DNA haplogroup? faq id: 513

   Most individuals do not need a test to confirm their haplogroup. In some rare cases, a Y-DNA signature may be unique in our database. You can determine your haplogroup information from the Haplotree section. In order to provide our customers with the highest level of haplogroup confidence, Family Tree DNA provides a SNP Assurance Program. In this program, if we cannot predict a person’s Y-DNA haplogroup with sufficient confidence that they can join the National Geographic’s Genographic Project, we will automatically perform a Backbone SNP test in order to identify the haplogroup assignment. When a haplogroup is in doubt the Backbone SNP test will be ordered automatically after the initial Y-DNA test results are posted. You can learn more about the SNP Assurance Program here: http://www.familytreedna.com/snp-assurance-program.aspx .

    

7. What is a Deep Clade test? faq id: 514

   A haplogroup test will test a single SNP to determine which haplogroup, or major branch of the Y-DNA phylogenetic tree, your paternal line belongs to. For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytreedna.com/understanding-haplogroups.aspx. Once your haplogroup is known or predicted, you can use a Deep Clade test to identify the other SNP mutations that occurred in order to find your twig on the Y-DNA tree. You can read more about Family Tree DNA Deep SNP tests here: http://www.familytreedna.com/deepclade-haplogroup-tests.aspx.

8. What is a Backbone test? faq id: 515

   A Backbone test determines which haplogroup, or major branch of the Y-DNA tree, your paternal line belongs to. It tests the “backbone” of the tree or the SNPs that determine the major branches. For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytreedna.com/understanding-haplogroups.aspx. In order to provide our customers with the highest level of haplogroup confidence, Family Tree DNA is now providing a SNP Assurance Program. In this program, if we cannot predict a person’s Y-DNA haplogroup with sufficient confidence that they can join the National Geographic’s Genographic Project, we will automatically perform a Backbone SNP test in order to identify the haplogroup assignment. When a haplogroup is in doubt the Backbone SNP test will be ordered automatically after the initial Y-DNA test results are posted. You can learn more about the SNP Assurance Program here: http://www.familytreedna.com/snp-assurance-program.aspx. 

9. What is X-chromosome testing? What will it tell me? faq id: 516

   X-chromosome testing looks at markers on your X-chromosome(s). Males have one X chromosome and one Y-chromosome and females have two X-chromosomes. X-chromosome testing can be used for some extended relationship testing. For more information please visit our relationship testing website at www.dnafindings.com

10. Which X-STRs should I test? faq id: 517

    X-STR Panel 1 contains highly discriminating X-STR markers that can be used for closely related family testing.  X-STR Panel 2 contains relevant X-STRs that are well documented in scientific literature. In combination with X-STR Panel 1, it is possible to group them in closely linked X-chromosomal haplotype blocks. Those blocks can be traced for several generations along the X-chromosomal inheritance lineage. For relationship testing questions, visit www.dnafindings.com.

11. What is the CCR5 test? faq id: 518

    The CCR5 tests for a 32 base deletion within this gene on both chromosomes that changes the surface of receptors of cells so that some viruses cannot recognize the cell. No receptor may indicate immunity from certain viruses. It is theorized that this CCR5 deletion protected some Europeans from contracted the "Black Plague' during the Middle Ages.

12. What is an autosomal test? What will it tell me? faq id: 519

    We test two panels of autosomal markers, which have several useful functions. Autosomal Panel 1 is a general purpose autosomal marker panel. It contains CODIS markers that can be used with the free OmniPop template for self-made bio-geographical interpretation. For relationship testing needs please visit www.dnafindings.com. Autosomal Panel 2 contains high resolution STR markers for verification of a very close relationship. Markers can be compared to European databases like ENFSI and to other cofiler and identifiler based databases. We recommend testing for the markers in Autosomal Panel 1 before ordering Autosomal Panel 2. Like Autosomal Panel 1, this test is not AABB accredited.