- Course Introduction
- 01: Evidence & DNA
- 02: Forensic Biology
- 03: DNA Extraction & Quantitation
- 04: DNA Amplification
- 05: Amplified DNA Product Separation
- 06: STR Data Analysis & Interpretation
- 07: Population Genetics & Statistics
- 08: Communicating Results
- 09: Other DNA Markers & Technologies
- Course Resources
- Laboratory Training Manual
President's DNA Initiative
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
DNA Analyst Training
Introduction
Home > Other DNA Markers & Technologies > Non-Nuclear DNA Markers > Introduction
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is a technique that is well-characterized, validated, and useful in the analysis of forensic evidence and identification of human remains. The technique has become more popular as a result of successes in identifying older skeletal remains where nuclear DNA (nDNA) typing was not successful. Although the maternal inheritance of mtDNA means that it is a less discriminating test than nDNA, it can produce genetic information on material where other methods will not work.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this unit of instruction, the student shall be able to:
- Recognize the biological functions and contributions of mitochondria
- Differentiate features of nDNA and mtDNA
- Identify the different test techniques for mtDNA
- Understand the significance of mtDNA results for forensic and identity casework
- State the current and future mtDNA testing technologies
