Paternity DNA tests are a special kind of autogenous test. Y chromosome tests are of a gene that is passed down from father to son indefinitely. Yes, tiny mutations occur, but on average only every few hundred years. This is a special kind of gene and that is why it was chosen for surname tracing. Or biological paternal lineage testing, if you prefer, because surnames change and Y chromosomes stay the same. FEMALES: For the same reason, the non-coding portion of the mitochodria was chosen to trace maternal lineage. mtDNA is a very different type of gene whose function is quite different. But it stays the same, does not combine and does not mutate but every 10,000 years. A woman passes this gene on intact to all her children, but only her daughters will be able to pass it on to their children. DNA sample from a female descendant of the grandmother, shows your DNA question could be answered. But it must be a female line of descent all the way. A Male giving the mtDNA sample can be male because he would have *received* his mother's mtDNA. He can't pass it on, but he is still carrying it. Her mtDNA can then be compared in many databases of ancestors. These LEWIS descents of the following Kentucky Counties are very much in need of male DNA volunteers: Bell, Clay, Leslie, Breathitt, Perry, Harlan, Laurel counties. SOURCES to read: Look at this page of whom is a genealogy DNA expert, who owns DNAeXplain. http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/2007/10/proving-your-native-american-herit age.html She has written an article explaining much about DNA testing. There is a fan shaped genealogy chart showing the Y chromosome and mtDNA lines of descent. _http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/_ (http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/) > > > LISTDAD JOHN in CA PLEASE remember to Support all our Paralyzed Military Veterans of America. PLEASE remember to Support and ... Thank ... all W W II living Veterans. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com