MatriLine DNA Service

What is it?
Our MatriLine™ service gives you the opportunity to establish the personal link between you and your ancestral clan mother. If you are of European descent, then there is a 95% chance that you will be related to one of the clan mothers described in Prof Sykes’ book “The Seven Daughters of Eve”. If you are not of European descent, then we will be able to tell you from which of the other 29 clan mothers you are descended. There are currently 36 identified clan mothers who cover the whole of humanity. Not only will we establish to which clan mother you are related, we will also provide you with information about how and when she lived.

What will you receive?

• An indication where your sequence differs from the Cambridge Reference Sequence.
• A full explanation of the scientific procedures that we used.
• A premium quality “Seven Daughters of Eve “ certificate , signed by Prof. Sykes, identifying from which of the Seven Daughters you are descended.
• A premium quality “World Clans” certificate, signed by Prof. Sykes, identifying where your ancestral mother fits into the Maternal Clans of the World. NB: Customers whose ancestral mother is not one of the Seven Daughters will receive two World Clans Certificates.
• Information about your ancestral clan mother and an insight into her life and times.
• Free access to our on-line, MatriLine™ database with unlimited searches.

How does it work?
All of us carry a specific type of DNA in our cells, called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is inherited exclusively from our mothers. Our mothers in turn inherited their mtDNA from their mothers; who inherited it from their mothers and so on back through time. To determine your ancient maternal clan, we need a DNA sample from you. To obtain this sample, we despatch directly to you by post a Sampling Kit containing a small brush that we ask you to rub on the inside of your cheek to collect your DNA, which we extract when we receive your brush. Using our extensive database, we will then be able to identify your ancestral clan mother.

For reasons of confidentiality your DNA sample is destroyed immediately after our analysis is completed.

How long does it take?
Sampling Kits are usually despatched within 3-5 working days of receipt of your order. From the time that we receive your sampling brush, it will be approximately six weeks until we send you your results.

Please enter the name of the DNA sample provider in the box below.