How useful is the Super DNA test by FTDNA?

[juan carlos]

I noticed it has the highest price of all the tests being offered. Has anyone taken it? What is so different about this one? I don't have that amount of money to spend, but I am curious nevertheless.

[lgmayka]

SuperDNA includes complete sequencing of your entire mtDNA genome.

[vineviz]

SuperDNA includes complete sequencing of your entire mtDNA genome.

I still haven't figured out why anyone would actually want to do this. Except that it is way cool.

[fmoakes]

SuperDNA includes complete sequencing of your entire mtDNA genome.

It also includes the full 67 Y-DNA markers for just few (few, because I'm probably not allowed to say 40) $s more.

[efgen]

I still haven't figured out why anyone would actually want to do this. Except that it is way cool.

My understanding is that mtDNA subclades are generally determined by coding region mutations or a combination of coding and non-coding mutations. FTDNA doesn't offer subclade tests for most mtDNA haplogroups yet (actually, none except H, I believe), so having the full sequence test is the only definitive way to find out the subclade right now. Some subclades can be predicted based on HVR1 and HVR2 mutations, but not all.

My subclade is apparently not difficult to predict (K1a1b1a, based on Behar's paper), but I'm still interested in having the full sequence. If only the price wasn't so prohibitive!

[juan carlos]

Yes, that price is not very encouraging, to say the least. I hope it comes down. Wishful thinking, I think!

[Noaide]

Full mtdna sequence is not useful at all as long as you dont have many to compare with, but of course if your rich and bored then who need a reason like that.

Noaide

[Paulie]

But having the full sequence means as more is learned over the years, you don't need to retest; since you have the whole mtDNA spelled out. So it's pay upfront now for not needing to pay (and wait) for upgrades later.

[Marttinen]

Just remember these 3 possibilites:

1. New and deeper clades & numbers are found as the science improves.

2. 5-8 years from now universal health coverage in your country will pay for all DNA tests. Some of us would emmigrate to a country that provides this service...

3. Wal-Mart will come out with a home DNA kit with immediate results for $48.53 (5 years wait for this).

My prophecies are based on NBC's statement that people's 2 favourite hobbies are gardening and geneology. There's a market out there...

Of course, death would ruin everything. But then again, there are record books in heaven.

[twnn]

Super DNA data in both Omnipop and ENSFI ?

Can you use the Super DNA data in both Omnipop and ENSFI ?

[Nagelfar]

FTDNA doesn't offer subclade tests for most mtDNA haplogroups yet (actually, none except H, I believe)

FTDNA classed me as mtDNA haplogroup J1a after only HVR2 testing.

[vineviz]

Can you use the Super DNA data in both Omnipop and ENSFI ?

No. Those databases use autosomal markers, whereas the SuperDNA test includes information on the y-chromosome and mitochondria only.

[tomcat]

Can you use the Super DNA data in both Omnipop and ENSFI ?

Neither. Omnipop and ENFSI use autosomal DNA that is a combination of DNA from both parents. FTDNA's SuperDNA only tests Y and Mt DNA, that do not recombine and descend, respectively, solely in the paternal and maternal lines.

FTDNA offers the markers needed for Omnipop in their Autosomal Panel 1 test. For ENFSI you will also need D2 and D19 from Autosomal Panel 2.