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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Using dental and mitochondrial DNA analysis, scientists there were able to identify Tennyson’s remains. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025 Scientists were finally able to identify Tennyson's remains, using dental and anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence. Stephen Smith, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025 Mitochondria normally neutralize free radicals, but, when radiation injures them, this process becomes more difficult; the free radicals then damage mitochondrial DNA, and that weakens the mitochondria further. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 And Crypto Price Earthquake Another theory points to mitochondrial DNA mutations. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 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 25 Mar. 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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