Significance of Mitochondrial DNA
Mitochondrial DNA is the circular DNA found in mitochondria, solely inherited from the mother. It encodes essential mitochondrial proteins and plays a crucial role in genetic studies due to its high mutation rate, making it useful for tracing lineage and forensic identification. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA is hypothesized to be influenced by certain polymorphisms that may affect cellular processes and contribute to various diseases. It is distinct from chromosomal DNA and is integral in exploring genetic connectivity and phylogenetic relationships.
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The concept of Mitochondrial DNA in scientific sources
Mitochondrial DNA, found in mitochondria and inherited from the mother, plays a crucial role in genetic studies by aiding in the exploration of genetic connectivity and phylogenetic relationships among organisms.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) DNA that is inherited maternally, present in mitochondria, and useful for tracing lineage and forensic identification due to its high mutation rate.[1] (2) DNA located in the mitochondria, distinct from chromosomal DNA, which is exclusively inherited from the mother.[2] (3) The circular DNA found in mitochondria that encodes for essential mitochondrial proteins and is maternally inherited.[3] (4) A type of DNA located in mitochondria that is hypothesized to be altered by certain polymorphisms, which may affect cellular processes and is associated with various diseases.[4]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) DNA that is located in the mitochondria and inherited maternally, important for genetic studies.[5] (2) DNA found in the mitochondria of cells, utilized in the study to explore genetic connectivity and phylogenetic relationships.[6]