Mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) in Humans

Question

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in humans
A)is always donated to the offspring from both parents
B)can be used to identify related people
C)can be isolated only from intact embryos
D)can be used to establish paternity

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed down from the mother only and does not recombine like nuclear DNA, making it useful for determining maternal lineage and identifying related individuals. It can be isolated from any cells that contain mitochondria, including hair, blood, and bone. However, it cannot be used to establish paternity since it does not come from the father.