Abstract
Mitochondria are unique organelles carrying their own genetic material, independent from that in the nucleus. This review will discuss the nature of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and its levels in the cell, which are the key elements to consider when trying to achieve molecular identification in ancient and degraded samples. mtDNA sequence analysis has been appropriately validated and is a consistent molecular target for the examination of biological evidence encountered in forensic cases—and profiling, in certain conditions—especially for burnt bodies and degraded samples of all types. Exceptional cases and samples will be discussed in this review, such as mtDNA from leather in Beethoven’s grand piano, mtDNA in mummies, and solving famous historical criminal cases. In addition, this review will be discussing the use of ancient mtDNA to understand past human diet, to trace historical civilizations and ancient trade routes, and to uncover geographical domestication origins and lineage relationships. In each topic, we will present the power of mtDNA and how, in many cases, no nuclear DNA was left, leaving mitochondrial DNA analysis as a powerful alternative. Exploring this powerful tool further will be extremely useful to modern science and researchers, due to its capabilities in providing us with previously unattainable knowledge.
Highlights
Mitochondria are dynamic and essential organelles that are found in almost all eukaryotic cells, and their main function is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by oxidative phosphorylation.In addition, mitochondria are involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism and play important roles in various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell differentiation [1]
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) experiments were performed on each extract, the ratio R = amount of the cattle mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) divided by the amount of sheep mtDNA was calculated
The data from this study showed that mtDNA of the farmers of northern Europe and Scandinavia is closely linked to that of early Central European, but not to the concurrent Pitted Ware Cultural complex (PWC) hunter-gatherers
Summary
Mitochondria are dynamic and essential organelles that are found in almost all eukaryotic cells, and their main function is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by oxidative phosphorylation. Human mitochondrial DNA is a circular molecule of around 16,600 YBP, which encodes 13 structural polypeptide components required for oxidative phosphorylation. Translation of those polypeptide genes occurs in the mitochondrial matrix by a unique and very specific mechanism. DNA, we can assume that this genome would be the best target in ancient and degraded remains for the following reasons: (i) mtDNA is especially useful because it is present at a high copy number in cells [11]. We will shed light upon the many ways that mtDNA is a useful and successful tool to investigate and solve historical cases, identify evidence in burnt human remains, solve rape and murder cases, and determine the source of remains in unsolved mysteries, especially in mummies and ancient music sound. A few historical cases wherein mtDNA was successfully used in such circumstances are discussed below
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call