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
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For this new study, researchers took those samples and extracted mitochondrial DNA for analysis, which revealed the presence of both cow and goat DNA. Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial genome analysis, according to the release. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 4 Oct. 2024 However, additional studies are needed to understand how mitochondrial DNA mutations are passed down. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 Genetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA markers provided additional confirmation of their suspicions. Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mitochondrial DNA 

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 29 Nov. 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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