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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In 2021, human nuclear DNA, which contains more detailed information than mitochondrial DNA, was gleaned from cave dirt for the first time, revealing details about the lives of Neanderthals. —

Katie Hunt, CNN, 22 Dec. 2021 From the mitochondrial DNA, the researchers were able to determine that black bears (Ursus americanus) had lived in the region of the cave for a long time—at least 3000 years. —

Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 19 Apr. 2021 In order to identify his remains, scientists used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as mitochondrial DNA, according to the release. —

Brianna Kwasnik, Arkansas Online, 22 Dec. 2020 Once exhumed, the remains were sent to the agency's laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where they were examined and identified using anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis. —

Kerry Breen, CBS News, 9 Mar. 2023 Using mitochondrial DNA samples, the DNA Doe Project traced her direct maternal line back to a family on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, Kevin Lord, the DNA Doe Project’s director of lab and agency logistics and a team lead on the case, told Fox News Digital. —

Fox News, 21 July 2022 Walker’s remains were identified using dental and anthropological analysis as well as mitochondrial DNA analysis. —

Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2022 Eventually, through the use of anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome DNA analysis, scientists were able to identify Leaman's remains and reunite his body with his two surviving family members, niece Marilynn Axt and nephew David Dill. —

Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, 25 Aug. 2021 In August 2020, using circumstantial evidence and dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis, Hurlburt’s remains were confirmed to be his. —

Jessika Harkay, courant.com, 7 Aug. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mitochondrial DNA.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of mitochondrial DNA was in 1964

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Dictionary Entries Near mitochondrial DNA

mito-

mitochondrial DNA

mitochondriome

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mitochondrial DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitochondrial%20DNA. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

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