How is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing used in forensic science?
A suspect’s mtDNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of nuclear DNA that was found at a crime scene.
A suspect’s mtDNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of mtDNA that was found at a crime scene.
A suspect’s nuclear DNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of nuclear DNA that was found at a crime scene.
A suspect’s nuclear DNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of mtDNA that was found at a crime scene.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing is used in forensic science to match a suspect's mtDNA sample to an unknown sample of mtDNA found at a crime scene. This technique is particularly useful in cases where the nuclear DNA is degraded or not available for analysis.
Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents and can vary among individuals, mtDNA is inherited only maternally and is relatively stable over generations. This makes it particularly useful in cases where nuclear DNA analysis may not be possible or inconclusive.
In the first scenario, where the suspect's mtDNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of nuclear DNA found at a crime scene, mtDNA typing would not be applicable. Nuclear DNA profiling techniques, such as STR analysis, would be used instead.
In the second scenario, where the suspect's mtDNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of mtDNA found at a crime scene, mtDNA typing would be suitable. Comparing the mtDNA profiles of the suspect and the crime scene sample can provide a match or exclusion.
In the third scenario, where the suspect's nuclear DNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of nuclear DNA found at a crime scene, nuclear DNA profiling techniques would be used, such as STR analysis or DNA fingerprinting.
In the fourth scenario, where the suspect's nuclear DNA sample is matched to an unknown sample of mtDNA found at a crime scene, mtDNA typing would not be applicable. Again, nuclear DNA profiling techniques would be used instead.