A crime lab is using mitochondrial DNA as evidence in an upcoming case. Why is a crime lab MOST likely to use mitochondrial DNA instead of nuclear DNA as evidence in a case?

Question

A crime lab is using mitochondrial DNA as evidence in an upcoming case. Why is a crime lab MOST likely to use mitochondrial DNA instead of nuclear DNA as evidence in a case?

A.
because human remains have been charred by fire
B.
because the DNA sample is smaller than a quarter
C.
because there are no human teeth or bones available
D.
because the DNA sample is more than three years old

Answer 1

A. because human remains have been charred by fire. Mitochondrial DNA is more resilient than nuclear DNA and can still be extracted from charred remains.