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
Scientists conducted dental and anthropological analyses and mitochondrial DNA analysis, the DPAA said.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Using dental and mitochondrial DNA analysis, scientists there were able to identify Tennyson’s remains.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Scientists were finally able to identify Tennyson's remains, using dental and anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence.
—Stephen Smith, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025
Mitochondria normally neutralize free radicals, but, when radiation injures them, this process becomes more difficult; the free radicals then damage mitochondrial DNA, and that weakens the mitochondria further.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 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.
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Using dental and mitochondrial DNA analysis, scientists there were able to identify Tennyson’s remains.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Scientists were finally able to identify Tennyson's remains, using dental and anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence.
—Stephen Smith, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025
Mitochondria normally neutralize free radicals, but, when radiation injures them, this process becomes more difficult; the free radicals then damage mitochondrial DNA, and that weakens the mitochondria further.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 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 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share