Foundations in DNA 2 of 5: Understanding and Using Y-DNA and mtDNA

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
Apr 9, 2025
1.7K views
CC
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,399 webinars and unlock all features.

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 25s
Play. Playing.
Speaker's Introduction
1m 48s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
1m 58s
Play. Playing.
Why Use These Tests
12m 02s
Play. Playing.
Y-DNA
10m 51s
Play. Playing.
Genetic Distance
3m 51s
Play. Playing.
Time Predictor
4m 43s
Play. Playing.
Case Studies
9m 19s
Play. Playing.
mtDNA
11m 17s
Play. Playing.
Limitations
3m 34s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
3m 37s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
10m 51s

About this webinar

Y-DNA and mtDNA have revolutionized genealogical research, breaking through barriers that once seemed insurmountable. This session dives into the unique inheritance patterns of Y-DNA and mtDNA, showing how these tests trace ancient ancestry and identify relationships both close and distant. Gain insights into their application for solving lineage mysteries and uncovering ancestral connections.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence. In 2007 he started The Genetic Genealogist (www.thegeneticgenealogist.com),
Learn more...

Key points and insights

In an engaging session from the Foundations in DNA webinar series, professional genealogist and DNA expert Blaine Bettinger explores the power of Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in genealogical research. Designed for both new and experienced researchers, this comprehensive presentation offers a deep dive into how these specific types of DNA can illuminate direct paternal and maternal lineages—critical tools for breaking down brick walls and verifying traditional research. As the second class in a five-part series, the webinar provides essential concepts and practical strategies for leveraging these genetic tests to uncover family connections spanning centuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Precise Lineage Tracing: Unlike autosomal DNA, which becomes diluted over generations, Y-DNA and mtDNA follow distinct inheritance paths—father to son and mother to all children, respectively. This clear inheritance allows genealogists to pinpoint ancestry along unbroken paternal or maternal lines, making these tests ideal for verifying or challenging long-held genealogical hypotheses.
  • Powerful Evidence in Hypothesis Testing: Bettinger highlights how Y-DNA and mtDNA are particularly useful when records are sparse or inconclusive. For instance, by testing descendants from different branches of a common ancestor, researchers can confirm biological relationships or uncover unexpected parentage events—often with just a few well-placed tests.
  • Accessible and Lasting Results: Once tested, results from Y-DNA and mtDNA remain valid indefinitely and can provide value for years to come. Bettinger emphasizes the importance of using Family Tree DNA, which hosts the largest databases for both test types. He also offers guidance on finding suitable test-takers when direct male or female-line descendants are unavailable.

Take the Next Step
To unlock the full potential of genetic genealogy, view the complete webinar, now available here. Whether you’re aiming to confirm family legends or solve decades-old mysteries, Blaine Bettinger’s expert insights can help you use DNA to build a more accurate and enriched family tree.

Don’t forget to explore the accompanying six-page syllabus packed with additional resources, charts, and actionable guidance. This supplemental material complements the webinar and equips genealogists with tools to apply DNA techniques directly to their own research. Dive in and discover how these tests can transform your understanding of family history.

Comments (64)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1000 characters remaining

Sort by Newest
Sort by Close.
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Likes
  1. KF
    Kris Fiori-Antijunti
    2 days ago

    Thanks so much!

    Reply
  2. ED
    Elaine Drury
    1 week ago

    Thank you

    Reply
  3. JM
    Joy Metcalf
    1 week ago

    I found my grandfather’s family by using Y-DNA. My first cousin agreed to do his YDNA and we discovered a completely different family name. Turns out my grandfather had changed his name when he left home, but on his marriage license he put down his father’s actual first name and his mother’s actual complete name, as well as where and when he was born. The Y-DNA test confirmed what I found with my research and opened up the entire line. OTOH, my brother agreed to the Y-DNA test and there were no close relatives (closest was step 4) and had my father’s maternal great grandmother’s maiden name. Now there’s another mystery to be solved–if we can get more matches!

    Reply
  4. RB
    Robert Bies
    1 week ago

    Explained and illustrated in an organized & understandable manner.

    Reply
  5. CN
    Carol Niewinski
    1 week ago

    Blaine is the best at explaining DNA.

    Reply
  6. PB
    Patricia Bruhn
    1 week ago

    Blaine was Easy to understand explaining YDNA.

    Reply
  7. JH
    Jacqueline Herring
    1 week ago

    I am finding this DNA series very helpful and informative. I have a few brick walls in my family history and this information will help me punch some holes. I originally thought this series of webinars might be too technical for me, but Blaine is a great speaker and the examples he uses are easily understandable. Can’t wait for the next webinar. 🙂

    Reply
  8. GL
    Graham Lowe
    1 week ago

    Today’s webinar was an excellent presentation by a renowned public speaker and subject matter specialist…!!! Thank you Blaine T. Bettinger, PhD, JD :):):)

    Reply

Related Webinars