How is mitochondrial DNA used in forensics?

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DNA is found in human cells both in the nucleus and in the mitochondria. Each human cell has a nucleus which has only two copies of DNA. One of these is from the mother and the other from the father. Mitochondria, on the other hand, has hundreds or even thousands of copies of mitochondrial DNA in each cell. Because there are so many more copies of mitochondrial DNA than nuclear DNA, this means that mitochondrial DNA can be used for scientific analysis when there is even a very small sample of DNA, or even if it has been degraded. This makes it very useful in forensic analysis where police investigators attempt to solve crimes and may not have large quantities of material evidence.

Mitochondrial DNA, also known as mtDNA, contains 37 genes. Mitochondria provide a cell’s energy. They produce energy by a process that uses oxygen and simple sugars. They create ATP, adenosine triphosphate. This is the main source of energy for the cell. This energy is contained in the cytoplasm of cells, that is, in the fluid that is around the nucleus. Mitochondria change the energy from food into a type of energy that can be used by the cells. There are thousands of mitochondria in each cell. As well as creating energy, the mitochondria also regulate the natural destruction of cells, which is called apoptosis. Mitochondria also produce cholesterol and heme, from hemoglobin. which transports oxygen to the blood.

The genetic material in mitochondria is passed on from mothers to their offspring. This is then passed down by daughters to their children. Sons do not pass down their mother’s mitochondrial DNA to their offspring. The mitochondria of an embryo are created from the mother’s egg cell. The father’s sperm cells give his offspring nuclear DNA but not mitochondrial DNA. Forensic experts have solved cases of unidentified missing persons by using the mitochondrial DNA profile of maternal family members.

Forensic experts have been able to identify people by scanning 13 DNA loci or regions. They create DNA profiles of individuals. These are also called DNA fingerprints. Forensic uses of DNA include the identification of potential suspects who may have left DNA evidence at the scene of a crime. Similarly, DNA evidence can prove the innocence of someone who has been wrongly accused of a crime. DNA can also identify victims of crime and natural and other disasters. For example, DNA evidence was widely used to identify victims of 9/11. Although paternity cannot be established using mitochondrial DNA analysis, it can be established by using nuclear DNA. DNA can also help wildlife officers to preserve protected species and to catch illegal poachers of endangered species. It can also help save lives by matching organ donors with potential recipients for organ transplants. In addition, it can identify harmful bacteria and prevent it from polluting the water, air, soil or food supply.

Resource by Will

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