What Is the Largest Mitochondrial DNA Database?

Unlike a traditional DNA database, such as one used by law enforcement officials to track and identify criminals or suspects, a mitochondrial DNA database is usually used as part of genealogy efforts. People may use these databases to search for DNA strings to try to find genetic links that they can use to trace back to their ancestors. However, because this is the primary purpose of mitochondrial DNA databases, it is somewhat difficult to determine exactly which database is the largest.

Many of the mitochondrial databases out there are commercial sites. These websites want people to buy a search or pay for DNA matching services. Those who are interested in genealogy may be willing to pay for such services, and the websites know that to capture this base of customers, they need to promise that their site is the largest. This means that many, many different sites claim to be "the largest database" of mitochondrial DNA. A brief listing of some sites that claim to be the largest mitochondrial databases include:

• Family Tree DNA.com says they have the largest DNA dabatase, with a total of 328,159 records as of March 31, 2011.
• Roots For Real says they make use of the "largest available global geographic database of human mtDNA" when you have your DNA tested and your search performed through their service.
• The Genetic Geologist suggested in 2007 that The Genographic Project was the largest geology project in the world and that they were assembling their own database of mitochondrial DNA.

With so many databases claiming to be large, deciding which is the largest can be difficult. However, Wikipedia indicates that a website called Mito Search is "One of the largest public access mtDNA database." This third party Wikipedia statement probably indicates that this Mito Search website really is one of the biggest databases of mitochondrial DNA that is available online to the general public.

Mito Search will allow you to create an account and search for genetic matches from their database. The website promises that "With thousands of people that have tested their mtDNA with different companies, MitoSearch.org is brought to you as a free public service that allows individuals that have tested with those companies to make their results available for comparison."

Because it is a free service, you have nothing to lose from trying it, and you may end up finding a genetic link that helps you to more completely fill out your family's genealogy records.