A mito-y conundrum: is more general or less but specific sequence data optimal? A comparison of the ForenSeq mtDNA whole genome and control region kits

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is more prevalent than genomic DNA, making it useful for challenging forensic samples such as degraded bones and hair shafts. A comparison of the ForenSeq whole genome and control region mtDNA kits was undertaken on bones burnt to high temperatures and hair shafts covering a range of hair colours and treatments. Haplogroup predictions were made from the same haplogroup branch per donor for one bone burnt ≥ 700°C and all hair segments. Overall, the whole genome mtDNA kit was both more successful and produced more discriminatory haplogroup predictions than the control region kit.