mitochondrial DNA

noun

: an extranuclear double-stranded DNA found exclusively in mitochondria that in most eukaryotes is a circular molecule and is maternally inherited
abbreviation mtDNA

Examples of mitochondrial DNA in a Sentence

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The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System also used mitochondrial DNA analysis to make a positive ID, which was confirmed April 16. Bringing closure to a mystery that spanned generations, Carlin's remains will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in May 2026. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025 Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can affect tissues that have high energy demand, like the heart, muscle and brain. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 19 July 2025 Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can affect multiple organs, particularly those that require high energy, such as the brain, liver, heart, muscles and kidneys. Nancy Lapid, USA Today, 17 July 2025 The genes from the nucleus of the egg are then injected into a fertilized egg from a healthy woman that has had all of its DNA removed except for the donor's healthy mitochondrial DNA. Rob Stein, NPR, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mitochondrial DNA

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mitochondrial DNA was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Mitochondrial DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitochondrial%20DNA. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

mitochondrial DNA

noun
: an extranuclear double-stranded DNA found exclusively in mitochondria that in most eukaryotes is a circular molecule and is maternally inherited

called also mtDNA

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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