African Ancestry DNA Testing

Genelex offers two DNA testing options to confirm African heritage.

• Maternal Line Test (mtDNA for males or females) examines DNA from the maternal line (i.e., the mtDNA comes from the participant's Mother's, Mother's, Mother, etc.) for genetic markers unique to Africans. Nearly all Africans belong to one of four major mtDNA sub-Saharan African haplogroups: L0, L1, L2 and L3 or their subgroups which are broadly distributed throughout Africa. For example, the Mandanka in Senegal are 36% haplogroup L2c while 43% of Mozambicans are L2a. Geneticists believe that the population of the Vasikela !Kung (LOd/k) of the northwestern Kalahari desert in southern Africa is the population that lies nearest to the root of the human mitochondrial DNA tree. (Distribution Map, Salas et al, 2004)
  
• Paternal Line Test (Y-chromosome for males only) examines DNA from the paternal line (i.e., the Y-chromosome comes from the participant's Father's, Father's, Father, etc.) for genetic markers unique to Africans. In Africa, there are three main clans, Haplogroups A, B, and E. The most ancient clans, A and B are restricted to Africa and generally present at low frequencies. Haplotype E, the youngest lineage, carries the ancient gene marker M168, which appears to have originated in northeast Africa about 50,000 years ago. Descendants of African Adam, carrying the M168 marker, left eastern Africa about 50,000-40,000 years ago.  African haplogroups are broadly distributed throughout Africa. For example, the Mbenzele Pygmies are 61% haplogroup E3a while 71% of the Borana from Kenya are E3b).

Start unraveling the mystery of your DNA and heritage today, call (800) 523-3080 to order, order on-line, or download the order form and fax or mail in your order. Don't forget to take a look at our other informational genetic testing products now as you receive significant discounts when ordering tests at the same time.