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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
Midtown Jane Doe would have to be matched to a relative through mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down from the maternal line.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
For this new study, researchers took those samples and extracted mitochondrial DNA for analysis, which revealed the presence of both cow and goat DNA.
—Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial genome analysis, according to the release.
—Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 4 Oct. 2024
However, additional studies are needed to understand how mitochondrial DNA mutations are passed down.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1964, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of mitochondrial DNA was
in 1964
Dictionary Entries Near mitochondrial DNA
Cite this Entry
“Mitochondrial DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitochondrial%20DNA. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
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
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