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
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They were identified using mitochondrial DNA analysis and an analysis of proteins on the teeth, according to Asahi Shimbun and The Japan Times.
—
Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
In addition, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis and mitochondrial genome sequencing data to confirm his identity.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Genome sequencing includes both nuclear DNA -- the large, linear DNA in the cell's nucleus -- and the mitochondrial DNA, the smaller, circular DNA in the mitochondria, which is almost exclusively inherited from the mother.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025
However, the level of success with getting much in the way of mitochondrial DNA was low enough that this is unlikely to happen.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
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Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
In addition, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis and mitochondrial genome sequencing data to confirm his identity.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Genome sequencing includes both nuclear DNA -- the large, linear DNA in the cell's nucleus -- and the mitochondrial DNA, the smaller, circular DNA in the mitochondria, which is almost exclusively inherited from the mother.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025
However, the level of success with getting much in the way of mitochondrial DNA was low enough that this is unlikely to happen.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 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 16 Oct. 2025.
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