Mitochondrial DNA: A Reliable Tool in Forensic Odontology

Forensic odontology has emerged as one of the prime tool in Forensic investigations. Tooth being resistant to degrading environmental conditions, is a potential source in solving various criminal cases. Over the last few decades, DNA analysis has revolutionized the Forensic field. There have been several technical modifications and advancements in the DNA analysis. One such advance in the recent past is the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondrial genome exhibit several unique characteristics such as multiple genome copies, heteroplasmy, variable expressivity, mitotic segregation and the threshold effect. These properties affect its inheritance pattern and even the Forensic analysis.

MtDNA differs from nDNA in many ways, including its location, its sequence, its quantity and its mode of inheritance with this technique; it is possible to analyze the DNA even in very small, damaged and degraded samples from where it is unable to analyze the nuclear DNA (nDNA). This article reviews the characteristics of mtDNA and its role in Forensic investigations.