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
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Other military agencies used mitochondrial DNA analysis and genome sequencing data to help identify the remains. June 4, CBS News, 4 June 2025 Producing energy depends on precise teamwork between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA, like two musicians playing in perfect harmony. Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 In 1984, researchers detected traces of mitochondrial DNA in the skin of a taxidermied quagga in a museum. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 Researchers studied mammoth mitochondrial DNA from as far back as 1.3 million years, with the most recent based on genetic material from a relatively recent mammoth from about 125,000 years ago. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 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 9 Jun. 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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