Why isn't mitochondrial DNA a unique identifier?

a. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.

b. All female offspring inherit their mother's mitochondria, and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.

c. As a result, all female family members that share a maternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.

d. Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line, but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.

e. All offspring inherit their father's mitochondria, and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.

Question

Biology

Double Double

13 May, 06:21

Why isn't mitochondrial DNA a unique identifier?

a. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.

b. All female offspring inherit their mother's mitochondria, and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.

c. As a result, all female family members that share a maternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.

d. Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line, but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.

e. All offspring inherit their father's mitochondria, and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.

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Answers (1)

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Gary Callahan · Answer 1

a. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.

d. Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line, but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.

Explanation:

DNA is the genetic material. Nuclear DNA profiling is used to identify a person since each individual has unique DNA. Mitochondrial DNA exhibits maternal inheritance. All the offspring of a female share the same mitochondrial DNA. Therefore, all the individuals that are related by maternal lines, share the same mitochondrial DNA. The profiling of their mitochondrial DNA would not allow the identification of a person when individuals share maternal lines.