Mitochondrial DNA

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/mtdna

Mitochondria have their own circular DNA.

• Mitochondria replicate by themselves, without relying on the nucleus for instructions.

• Mitochondrial DNA is located in the matrix of each mitochondria

• 16,500 DNA base pairs, functioning as 37 genes

• 13 genes related to ATP production• Other genes are for rRNA and tRNA production (necessary

for protein production)

Mitochondria are inherited from your mother

• from the egg• Therefore, unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA

doesn't get shuffled every generation, so it is presumed to change at a slower rate, which is useful for the study of human evolution.

• Mitochondrial DNA is also used in forensic science as a tool for identifying corpses or body parts.

• has been implicated in a number of genetic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

Short video:

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/extras/molgen/mito_dna.html

Tracing ancestry with mtDNA

NOVA Online | Neanderthals on Trial | Tracing Ancestry with

MtDNA (Flash)

Link to the article to read and take notes:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/neanderthals/mtdna.html

Take notes on the article:

For each paragraph, write a main idea and at least 2 details