The mtDNA test for Core Melungeons is for a male or female being tested who goes in a straight line back to the Melungeon ancestor. Woman give their mitochondrial DNA to both genders of children, but only females pass it on. In the current generation, males or females can test, but they must descend from a Melungeon ancestor through a direct matrilineal line. The Melungeon mtDNA Project is a study of males and females who have proven known Melungeon ancestors, according to old records, and agreed on by some of the top serious Melungeon researchers. The participants must descend in a genealogical useful line. The DNA results, combined with genealogy research, hopefully will open some new windows for research on the Melungeon people. Prior approval by the administrator is required for becoming a participant in this project and everyone joining must present genealogy when applying to join this project. DNA results do not often "prove" a relationship, but can be quite helpful in guiding research. If a profile does not match, obviously a hypothesized relationship may be incorrect. At other times it may point to an unknown adoption in the family, several reasons can be explored when the results don't follow the genealogy you have. If you can't test to show this direct line in your family, you may have someone tested who does. If you have already been tested at Family Tree DNA and you want to join the Melungeon mtDNA project, there is a button on your personal page to click on to do this. Request *Core Melungeon mtDNA Project*. There is no charge for this service. You will have to be approved by the administrator. If you have taken or want to take the Y test (for males only), and you have a Melungeon ancestor in your Y line, please go to this site for more information and join: http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=Melungeon_Core&code=A61188 We have a "Melungeon Families of Interest": site you may join, if your Y or mtDNA tests won't show the Melungeon ancestor, go here for more information: http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=Melungeon_Families&code=G69092 PLEASE NOTE: The Melungeon DNA Project volunteer administrators have no commercial affiliation with any profit making organization and receive no compensation for services or expenses involved with the Melungeon Y DNA project.