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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
Research on the remains included the use of dental and anthropological analysis, as well as mitochondrial DNA analysis.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 15 May 2024
There has been some work underway over the last decade to use mitochondrial DNA and other molecular markers to measure contributions to wastewater from cows, pigs, cats, geese, deer, humans, and other species.
—Megan Molteni and Helen Branswell, STAT, 13 May 2024
Maternal relationships were determined through mitochondrial DNA sequencing, while paternal relationships were found by looking at Y chromosomes.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024
The mitochondrial DNA from the hair showed significant genetic similarities to that of a Javan tiger specimen housed in the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, dating back to 1930, more so than to any other tiger subspecies.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
His remains were identified using anthropological, dental analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, the release states.
—Zenebou Sylla, CNN, 30 Mar. 2024
The remains were analyzed with anthropological and dental analysis by the DPAA and mitochondrial DNA analysis by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2024
The team compared the Ranis mitochondrial DNA sequences with other mitochondrial DNA sequences from human remains at other paleolithic sites in Europe.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Jan. 2024
All but one of the 13 human skeletal remains recovered from both the old and new excavations turned out to be similar to one another; several fragments shared the same mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences, usually inherited from the mother alone.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024
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
Dictionary Entries Near mitochondrial DNA
Cite this Entry
“Mitochondrial DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitochondrial%20DNA. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Medical Definition
mitochondrial DNA
noun
: an extranuclear double-stranded DNA found exclusively in mitochondria that in most eukaryotes is a circular molecule and is maternally inherited
called also mtDNA
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