Mitochondrial DNA - in forensic scienceĀ 

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Mitochondrial DNA - in forensic science

What is the speciality of mitochondrial DNA? Mitochondrial DNA can be extracted even when the body is degraded. It can establish a relationship with maternal relatives. The mitochondrial DNA are exclusively passed on from the mother. In some cases, forensic experts extract mitochondrial DNA instead of normal DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is extracted from hair shafts, teeth or old bones, which requires expertise.

A famous case in which mitochondrial DNA was used to identify the impostor Anna Anderson was not the grand duchess Anastasia Romanov of Russia. Andersonā€™s DNA didnā€™t match the Romanovs or any other maternal Romanovs.

Share your thoughts on mitochondrial DNA? Have you heard about any cases that have been solved using mitochondrial DNA?

MBH/PS

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Mitochondrial DNA is incredibly valuable in forensic science because it remains intact even when nuclear DNA is degraded, and its maternal inheritance makes lineage tracing possible. It has helped solve many historical and criminal cases, including confirming that Anna Anderson was not Anastasia Romanov. mtDNA is especially useful when only hair shafts, teeth, or old bones are available, making it a powerful tool in challenging identification cases.

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