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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
Researchers have the genome of the girl, as well as bits of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from fragmentary fossils—teeth, a toe bone—of seven additional individuals, all also from Denisova Cave.
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Byann Gibbons, science.org, 11 July 2024
Every person inherits mitochondrial DNA from their mother’s mother’s side that never changes.
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La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 28 June 2024
Advanced technology, including dental and anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis, were used to help identify the remains.
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Kerry Breen, CBS News, 25 June 2024
Jin and his team conducted association analyses of 16 basal mitochondrial DNA haplogroups, genetic families tracing back to a common ancestor.
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Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2024
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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 19 Aug. 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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