GeneTree

GeneTree was founded in 1997 by a graduate of Wayne State University’s Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Terrence Carmichael, who earned a master’s degree in molecular biology and genetics in 1995. Genetree did not offer multi-generational genealogy tests initially. Carmichael declared, “Over 95 percent of our first-year business was in paternity testing.” In fall 2001, GeneTree sold its assets to Salt Lake City-based Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation ("SMGF") which originated in 1999. The GeneTree website brought together elements of several existing Sorenson Companies: DNA testing by Sorenson Genomics, the DNA-genealogy database established by the SMGF research project, and the media sharing abilities of Sorenson Media. In 2012, Ancestry.com announced to its customers, "In March, Ancestry.com DNA, LLC acquired access to an extensive collection of DNA assets from SMGF." Genetree.com was discontinued on January 1, 2013 and access to family trees was no longer made available through the GeneTree site. ==DNA tests==

Y chromosome GeneTree offered 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 offered 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 sold consultation services to help customers further understand their test results. ==Press==

• Family Tree Magazine lists GeneTree as one of 10 best websites for sharing and storing family history, Sep 2009. • 'The Secrets in Your DNA' (Dec 2007) at Nightline • GeneTree launch (Oct 2007) at Reuters • Interview with CEO James Lee Sorenson at Businessweek ==See also==