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. Byann Gibbons, science.org, 11 July 2024 Every person inherits mitochondrial DNA from their mother’s mother’s side that never changes. 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. 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. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for mitochondrial DNA 

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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