Sorry Mike, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be obtained from the hair shaft, finger nails, teeth or bone. Not as definitive as 'Y' DNA (which is only obtainable from the follicle) as it is only passed on the maternal line. i.e. your mtDNA came to you via your mother who got it from her mother right back to one of the 'seven daughters of Eve'. In my case my 'Y'DNA goes back to the early days of Norfolk, whereas my mtDNA goes to central Cornwall where great Granny's family originated. Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Fry" <fredbonzo@iafrica.com> To: <norfolk@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 10:03 PM Subject: Re: [NFK] Family "Hairloom" > On 2012/01/11 18:19, Linda wrote: > >> Also, think of the DNA potential, or is part of the hair root needed for >> that? > > Homework: Must watch more CSI :-) > > hair strands on their own will give colour and species and maybe > indications of lifestyle. For DNA, you need the follicle i.e. the root. > > -- > Regards, > Mike Fry > Johannesburg > >

On 2012/01/12 13:59, Bob Rust wrote: > Sorry Mike, > mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be obtained from the hair shaft, finger nails, > teeth or bone. > Not as definitive as 'Y' DNA (which is only obtainable from the follicle) as > it is only passed on the maternal line. > i.e. your mtDNA came to you via your mother who got it from her mother right > back to one of the 'seven daughters of Eve'. I stand as having been educated a little better :-) However, most non-Jewish genealogists would want to use the 'Y' DNA ;-) -- Regards, Mike Fry Johannesburg