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Rafael -
Darlene Zagata -
ushasista
Guide to Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA
DNA may be divided into two categories—mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA). Mitochondrial DNA is associated with the non-nuclear organelles called the mitochondria—the energy production plants of the cell, generating most of the cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nuclear DNA resides within the nucleus of eukaryotic organisms. In most organisms, mitochondrial DNA is associated with the maternal hereditary characteristics. Nuclear DNA carries more hereditary information, so it is the preferred choice for forensic investigations; however mtDNA is much more abundant, and may still be available in tissues such as hair, bones, or teeth when nDNA has degraded to the point it can no longer be used. Learn more from informed Bright Hub contributors.
| How is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Used in Forensics
Are you wondering how mitochondrial DNA is used in forensics? Read on for an introduction into this exciting branch of science.... |
What is Genome Transplantation?
Genome transplantation is the transfer of a complete set of an organism's nuclear DNA - its genome - into another organism of the same or different species. The tiny transplants... |
| What is the Mitochondria?
... and other fascinating questions and answers about the cell's energy powerhouse.... |
Human Genetics: Mitochondrial DNA versus Nuclear DNA
The mitochondrial DNA differs from the nuclear DNA in some fundamental ways. This article summarizes the key differences.... |
| Why is Mitochondrial DNA Important?
In addition to the DNA locked up inside the nucleus, there is another source of genes inside cells. The energy powerhouse that is the mitochondria is home to 37 genes which are vital... |
New Treatments for Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondrial diseases are caused by inherited or acquired mutations in mitochondrial DNA or by mutations in nuclear DNA that code for mitochondrial parts. One way to overcome the problems... |