The mitochondrial tree of humanity has been rewritten, connecting all of us more closely than ever before on the new Mitotree. Everyone receives mitochondrial DNA only from their mother, who receives it from her mother, and so forth, all the way back in time to Mitochondrial Eve. Mitochondrial DNA is never admixed with the DNA of the other parent, so you never have to sort out which lines it comes from. We are all leaves on the twigs on the branches of the tree of humankind. The mitochondrial tree had not been updated since 2016, but now, with more than a Million samples to work with, 50 times more than before, the tree structure has been expanded eight-fold by combining samples from academic publications, ancient DNA, public sources and testers at FamilyTreeDNA. The new Mitotree and tools provide information never before available to genealogists about their matrilineal lineages. In addition to the vastly expanded genetic tree, FamilyTreeDNA has rolled out the companion MitoDiscover, a dozen fascinating chapters in your mitochondrial book. As a Million Mito Team member, Roberta will explain the challenges we overcame to create the tree of humanity – and how it’s useful to genealogists. All genealogists can benefit from the results of the Million Mito Project, because everyone has mitochondrial DNA that holds keys to information never before available! Let those brick walls fall!!!
This webinar, presented by Roberta Estes, offers an eye-opening journey into one of the most ambitious mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) research efforts ever undertaken. Aimed at transforming both the scientific and genealogical landscapes, this session explores how the Million Mito Project is rewriting the maternal branch of our ancestral story. Genealogists of all levels will find the content especially compelling, as it bridges cutting-edge genetics with real-world applications in tracing family histories, particularly through matrilineal lines.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:
To unlock the full value of the Million Mito Project and its applications in your family history research, watch the full webinar here. It’s packed with actionable tips, case studies, and an energetic delivery that makes complex science engaging and applicable.
Finally, don’t miss the 31-page syllabus available for members—an extensive resource brimming with charts, terminology guides, and further reading to help you master mitochondrial DNA research. Whether you’re a seasoned genetic genealogist or just starting to explore DNA testing, this presentation is a cornerstone of mitochondrial genealogy education.
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Syllabus
As expected, another fantastic presentation.
I have 2 questions regarding haplotypes:
1] Given 309 and 315, which mutate frequently, are included in the haplotype groupings, can that indicate how recently those haplotype matches may have split?
2] What is the average frequency, or range of frequencies, for 309 and 315 mutations?
Hi Leigh. Both 309 and 315 tend to be insertions, not transitions or transversions where one nucleotide is substituted for another. 309 and 315 tend to have multiple copies inserted into the genetic stream. They are so unreliable that they are used neither for matching nor haplogroup formation. We included them in haplotypes because some people find it useful to know if a group of people have them, or don’t. They may not actually BE useful. They may simply be doing their 309 and 315 thing, coming and going so often that they are unreliable. So think of haplotype clusters that include 309 and 315 as a bonus grouping. As to your question of knowing how recently they mutated – there’s absolutely no clock model for these. That’s why they aren’t even used for matching. Good questions though!
This is extraordinary!
How wonderful to have all those matches! I have 2 matches and they’re all 1 step. I’m hoping a bunch of other people will go ahead and test and I’ll have more matches. My maternal My maternal great-grandmother is a real mystery and after 30 years of family genealogy, we still haven’t figured out any of her lineage.
Now a question is there any value in a 1st or second cousin who descends from the same great-grandmother getting a mitochondrial test even though I’ve already had one?
Very interesting subject. I wish it could have been longer, both because more detailed explanations would have been helpful and because it went so fast that I almost couldn’t keep up.
Ms. Estes is a remarkable presenter of an extremely complicated (to me) topic. I will definitely be joining her Facebook group, and eagerly anticipate reading her extensive syllabus. Ms. Estes is so knowledgeable. I am amazed by her and her presentation. Since she has several other classes on DNA with Legacy Family Tree, I will also be checking them out.
Great presentation on the remaking and improvement of the mito tree! A lot of work went into the project and it is going to continue for some time.
I know Roberta’s name and her position in the genealogy/DNA community, but this is the first time I have heard her present to an audience. It was an absolutely perfect presentation. I’m glad you was allotted more than 60 minutes.
An amazing, interesting, educational, insightful, helpful and inspiring webinar!