Since writing about the new DNA tests available at Ancestry, I have received a number of questions from readers.

“I read your article in the Ancestry newsletter and wondered what I could gain if I got my mother to take the DNA test. Is there anything besides where her ancestors originated from? I'm planning to submit my DNA (I’m male), but wondered if hers can help me.”

 “My cousin has had his DNA done elsewhere and posted on the site that he had it done with. Can he also post it on Ancestry?”

 “Can I use a lock of hair from my deceased father that I have kept for many years?”

 “I am female and need a male to do the DNA test for my paternal lineage. My father is not around and I do not have contact with my brothers. Can I have a nephew do the test?”

 “What about adopted kids who don't have contact with a biological brother, father, or male cousin who could test their paternal lineage?”

Let me try my hand at some troubleshooting.

Can a Maternal Lineage DNA Test Show Me Anything Besides My Ancient Ancestry?
Short answer: Yes. It can be used to find maternal genetic cousins.

It’s true that maternal lineage tests—taken using a sample of your mitochondrial DNA (or mtDNA)—show your ancient ancestry (as does the Y-DNA, or paternal lineage, test).

Scientists believe that our ancient ancestors migrated out of Africa about 170,000 years ago. Some went to Europe. Some went to Asia. Some went to South America. And so on. Over time, mutations showed up in their DNA. It diversified. Different groups of people developed different genetic imprints—known as haplogroups.

Your DNA test results will tell you your haplogroup. And your haplogroup identifies the general area where your ancestors migrated tens of thousands of years ago.

My maternal ancestors headed for the Near East 23,000 to 28,000 years ago and made a bee-line for Europe about 5,000 years later. On the other hand, my paternal ancestors skipped the layover in the Near East and headed straight for Europe.

I find this interesting in the same way I find it interesting that my birthstone is a diamond, but for some people it’s more useful.

For example, Chris Haley, nephew of African American author Alex Haley of the famous novel Roots, was able to use his ancient ancestry information to substantiate family lore that his great-grandfather was actually European (to read that story, go here.)

Map showing my maternal haplogroup—H—and my ancestors’ migration pattern.

But, yes, your maternal lineage tests will give you more than just your ancient ancestry. As with your paternal lineage tests, you will also get back a DNA profile. My mitochondrial DNA profile is this: C, G, C, C.

So what? Well, you will also get a list of other users in the database who have a matching profile, as well as those who don’t.

If their profile is an exact match you are closely related and possibly genetic cousins—it’s worth investigating. If their sequence is at all different, you’re not closely related.

So, will a maternal lineage DNA test help you? Maybe. If you want to prove whether someone is related to you or not you can both take mtDNA tests. If your sequences don’t match you’re not closely related. If they do, you may be closely related. More detective work is needed.

My mtDNA profile.

If I’ve Had My DNA Tests Performed Elsewhere, Can I Post It On Ancestry?
Sure. The more the merrier. If you’ve tested with Family Tree DNA or the National Geographic Genographic Project, you can add your DNA information to our databases right now. Simply go to dna.ancestry.com and click the link that says, “Enter your Y results or mtDNA results from Family Tree DNA and others.”

You will be able to add results from other companies in the near future. Keep checking back.

There are also other public databases you can check to find more DNA matches: www.ybase.org, www.ysearch.org, and www.smgf.org.

Can I Use a Lock of Hair?
Sorry. No. An Ancestry DNA Kit uses swabs you rub on the inside of your mouth to collect saliva. We don’t use blood or hair for DNA testing.

There are forensic DNA labs—such as Sorenson Forensics—that can test hair; however, it is much more expensive.

Can I Have a Nephew Take the Paternal Lineage DNA Test for Me?
Maybe. But only if he’s the son of your brother—not your sister.

Y-DNA passes from male to male in a family. To test your paternal lineage you need someone on your male line to take the test. Normally we say your father, a brother, or a paternal grandfather. But you could also get a male cousin or nephew to take it—so long as they were descended from your brother or a paternal uncle.

What About Adopted Children Who Want to Perform the Test?
Depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.

If you’re adopted, taking the test can tell you your ancient ancestry haplogroup and hopefully connect you with genetic cousins. Unfortunately, if you’re female you won’t be able to test your paternal lineage without a biological male relative.

If you’re trying to figure out whether or not you’re related paternally or maternally to someone in particular, you could both take either the Y-DNA test or the mtDNA tests. If your Y-DNA results do not match closely or your mtDNA results don’t match exactly, you’re not closely related. If your results are identical, this is fairly good evidence that you are closely related. Keep in mind that a DNA Ancestry test cannot be used for legal proof.

More Answers
Let’s break it down even farther. Here are the three tests available, what they cost, who can take them, and what you’ll learn from each.

Still have questions? Visit our DNA FAQ page or call our DNA Ancestry specialists at 1-800-958-9124. They’ll be happy to answer your questions. And I’ll be happy to hear your success stories.

Jana Lloyd is editor of the Ancestry Monthly newsletter. She can be reached at AMUeditor@ancestry.com but cannot assist with personal research questions.