What is the use of mitochondrial genome in forensic studies?
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The use of the mitochondrial genome in forensic studies is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the maternal inheritance pattern of mtDNA allows for the identification of maternally related individuals, even when a direct reference sample is unavailable . Secondly, the high copy number of mtDNA in cells makes it a valuable tool for analyzing samples that do not contain enough nuclear DNA or that may come from maternally related individuals . Additionally, the higher mutation rate of mtDNA leads to the occurrence of heterogeneous pools of mtDNA sequence, known as heteroplasmy, which can increase the power of discrimination and differentiate material relatives . Furthermore, the application of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) in mtDNA analysis has improved the complexity and informativeness of the data, allowing for better discernment of genuine signals and identification of heteroplasmies . Overall, the mitochondrial genome provides valuable information for forensic investigations, including ancestral origin assessment, human identification, and linking evidential material in criminal casework .
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| The use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in forensic studies is for human identification involving mass fatality incidents, as mtDNA refers to a group of individuals from the same maternal lineage. | |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is used in forensic studies when there is not enough nuclear DNA or when the samples may come from maternally related individuals. | |
01 Jan 2023 | The use of the mitochondrial genome in forensic studies is to analyze mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments, which can remain intact longer than nuclear DNA fragments, and can be used to identify maternally related individuals when a direct reference sample is unavailable. |
| The use of mitochondrial genome in forensic studies is to assess ancestral origin, identify human remains, and link evidential material in criminal casework. | |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is commonly used in forensic studies for identifying individuals and tracing maternal lineage. It is particularly useful for analyzing aged or degraded samples, such as bones and hair shafts, where nuclear DNA may be limited or absent. |
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