When we test mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), your results are a list of the four bases that make up DNA, represented by the first letter of their name (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine).

Your results are then compared to the RSRS (Reconstructed Sapiens Reference Sequence). Where you have a different nucleotide in your sequence from the RSRS a mutation is noted. Rather than provide you with a long list of letters we, present your results as a much shorter list of locations on the RSRS sequence and changes to the DNA or mutations.

As an example, if the difference is listed in your chart, then at location 16187 instead of having the Thymine value that the RSRS does, your sequence has a Cytosine.