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
It’s inherited from the mother and there is currently no cure for mitochondrial DNA disease.
—
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 19 July 2025
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System scientists, the agency said, also employed mitochondrial DNA analysis, mitochondrial genome sequencing, and nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphism testing.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
The team was able to successfully extract mitochondrial DNA from the dental calculus present in the Harbin fossil.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025
Other military agencies used mitochondrial DNA analysis and genome sequencing data to help identify the remains.
—June 4, CBS News, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mitochondrial DNA
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 19 July 2025
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System scientists, the agency said, also employed mitochondrial DNA analysis, mitochondrial genome sequencing, and nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphism testing.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
The team was able to successfully extract mitochondrial DNA from the dental calculus present in the Harbin fossil.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025
Other military agencies used mitochondrial DNA analysis and genome sequencing data to help identify the remains.
—June 4, CBS News, 4 June 2025
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 27 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share