Haplogroup

A group of related haplotypes descended from a common ancestor and identified by shared genetic mutations, often in mitochondrial DNA or the Y chromosome.

Haplotype: A set of genetic variants inherited together on one chromosome or genomic region. Haplogroups group haplotypes that share mutations inherited from a common ancestor.
Maternal inheritance: Transmission of genetic material from a mother to her offspring. It carries mitochondrial haplogroups through maternal lineages.
Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroups: Lineages defined by mutations in human mitochondrial DNA. These haplogroups trace maternal-line ancestry and ancient population history.
Autosomal DNA: DNA on chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes, inherited from both parents. Unlike haplogroups, autosomal DNA reflects contributions from many ancestral lines.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism: A variation at one nucleotide position in a DNA sequence among individuals. Many haplogroups are distinguished by shared single-nucleotide mutations.
Paternal inheritance: Transmission of genetic material from a father to his offspring. It carries most Y-chromosome haplogroups from father to son.
Human Y-DNA haplogroups: Lineages defined by mutations on the non-recombining portions of the human Y chromosome. These haplogroups trace paternal-line ancestry in populations with Y-chromosome data.
Genetic ancestry: An account of ancestry inferred from inherited genetic variation. A haplogroup represents only one lineage within a person's broader genetic ancestry.
Mutation: A change in the nucleotide sequence of genetic material. Inherited mutations mark the branches used to define haplogroups.
Genetic recombination: The exchange or rearrangement of DNA segments that creates new combinations of genetic variants. Mitochondrial DNA and much of the Y chromosome recombine little, preserving lineage signals.

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Genographic ProjectBroader topic: Haplogroups organized the lineage markers used to infer migration routes.