mitochondrial DNA
noun
: an extranuclear double-stranded DNA found exclusively in mitochondria that in most eukaryotes is a circular molecule and is maternally inherited
—abbreviation mtDNA
Examples of mitochondrial DNA in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1984, traces of mitochondrial DNA had been found in the skin of a taxidermied quagga, a zebra-like species that had been hunted to extinction in the 1800s.
—
Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
To identify the closest possible match, genetic material extracted from the remains was compared with Y-chromosome DNA, as well as mitochondrial DNA that is only passed on by females within the maternal line, in the cheek swabs provided by descendants.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
The materials underwent anthropological study and mitochondrial DNA analysis.
—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
From each fragment, researchers sequenced mitochondrial DNA and measured the ratios of certain nitrogen and carbon isotopes, which can reveal information about a creature’s diet.
—
ArsTechnica,
12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mitochondrial DNA
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Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
To identify the closest possible match, genetic material extracted from the remains was compared with Y-chromosome DNA, as well as mitochondrial DNA that is only passed on by females within the maternal line, in the cheek swabs provided by descendants.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
The materials underwent anthropological study and mitochondrial DNA analysis.
—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
From each fragment, researchers sequenced mitochondrial DNA and measured the ratios of certain nitrogen and carbon isotopes, which can reveal information about a creature’s diet.
—
ArsTechnica,
12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mitochondrial DNA
Cite this Entry
“Mitochondrial DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitochondrial%20DNA. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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