What is mitochondrial DNA

Mitochondrial DNA is a circular DNA molecule that's found in the mitochondria. This DNA molecule codes for a part of proteins and RNA specific for the functioning of the mitochondria.

The advantage of using mitochondrial DNA to analyze the genetic diversity of our ancestors lies in the fact that mitochondria are only transmitted by the mother.

 

Mitochondrial DNA is outside the chromosomes of the cell, in the mitochondrion. The mtDNA is inherited from the mother. That is why all children of the same woman have the same mtDNA. Children of girls from this woman also will possess the same mtDNA, and so on. The mtDNA is passed on to children by the mother only. An analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) will let you know the history of your family maternal line.