GeneTree is a family history website focused on using DNA testing to trace ancestry. A website account is free, and within their account users can order DNA tests, enter results from other testing companies, search the DNA database, create an online family tree, and correspond with family members - including sharing pictures.

History

GeneTree was founded in 2007 as part of the group of Sorenson Companies, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The GeneTree website brought together elements of several existing Sorenson Companies: DNA testing by Sorenson Genomics, the DNA-genealogy database established by the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is an independent DNA and genealogical research institution with the goal of demonstrating how the peoples of the world are related...

 (SMGF) research project, and the media sharing abilities of Sorenson Media. GeneTree later became a subsidiary of the non-profit SMGF.

Y chromosome

GeneTree offers Y chromosome DNA testing (males only) that gives information about paternal ancestry, including 33-marker and a 46-marker test. YDNA is passed from father to son, so males with the same YDNA often have the same surname in addition to sharing a male ancestor.

Mitochondrial DNA

GeneTree offers mitochondrial DNA testing (males and females) that gives information about maternal ancestry. GeneTree's tests look at HVR1, HVR2, and HVR3 of the mtDNA. mtDNA is passed from mother to children, so people with the same mtDNA share a female ancestor.

DNA and Genealogy Services

In addition to DNA testing services, GeneTree also offers consultation services to help customers further understand their test results. Customers can choose whether to have a consultant teach them what to do, or the consultant can do the research and report back the findings.

Press

• Family Tree Magazine lists GeneTree as one of 10 best websites for sharing and storing family history, Sep 2009.
• Nightline: 'The Secrets in Your DNA', Dec 2007.
• Reuters article about GeneTree launch, Oct 2007.
• Businessweek interview with CEO James Lee Sorenson.

See also

• genetic genealogy
  Genetic genealogy
  Genetic genealogy is the application of genetics to traditional genealogy. Genetic genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level of genetic relationship between individuals.-History:...
  
  
• genealogical DNA test
  Genealogical DNA test
  A genealogical DNA test examines the nucleotides at specific locations on a person's DNA for genetic genealogy purposes. The test results are not meant to have any informative medical value and do not determine specific genetic diseases or disorders ; they are intended only to give genealogical...
  
  
• human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups
  Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups
  In human genetics, a Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroup is a haplogroup defined by differences in the non-recombining portions of DNA from the Y chromosome ....
  
  
• human mitochondrial DNA haplogroups
  Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroups
  In human genetics, a human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup is a haplogroup defined by differences in human mitochondrial DNA. Haplogroups are used to represent the major branch points on the mitochondrial phylogenetic tree...