Mitochondrial DNA

General Information

For many years, only Nuclear DNA had been studied, until a researcher named Anderson published in 1981 the complete sequence of the Mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is a second type of genetic material that, in contrast with nuclear DNA, is not located in the nucleus but in the mitochondria (cytoplasmic organelles); it is more durable and is found in many more than one copy per cell.

Mitochondrial DNA is entirely passed on from the mother, which means that all family members sharing a common female ancestor have an identical genetic sequence in their mitochondria. Therefore, Mitochondrial DNA cannot be used for the purposes of identification of an individual, but it is mainly used to identify a common maternal lineage.

Mitochondrial DNA analysis includes the study of two hypervariable regions (HV1, HV2), in order to find nucleotides that are different to the Anderson reference sequence, thus defining the type of Mitochondrial DNA.

Applications

Mitochondrial DNA analysis is used:

  • When it is not possible to analyse Nuclear DNA (inadequate quality or quantity of genetic material)
  • In identifications of corpses where the biological material has degraded; in analysis of old bones; or in analyses using a very small amount of biological material
  • In identifications of rootless hairs

Technology

The team of DNAlogy Experts provide services of evidence collection, detection and analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from any source of biological material (blood, saliva, sperm, skin, sweat, hairs, nails, bodily fluids, etc) and from any background (documents, surfaces, cigarette butts, tooth brushes, chewing gum, glasses, cutlery, food, clothes, glasses, hats, condoms, knives, etc).

→ Η DNAlogy is the only Greek laboratory that provides Mitochondrial DNA analysis services for forensic purposes.

Our Team at your disposal
24 hours, 7 days a week

   Leof. Vouliagmenis 98 Glyfada 166 74

   Tel: +30 210 9650 370

   Fax: +30 210 9650 370

   Mobile: +30 6987383417
          *for urgent cases

   info@dnalogy.eu

     

Contact us

Our Team at your disposal
24 hours, 7 days a week

   Leof. Vouliagmenis 98 Glyfada 166 74

   Tel: +30 210 9650 370

   Fax: +30 210 9650 370

   Mobile: +306987383417
          *for urgent cases

   info@dnalogy.eu

     

Contact us