What is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)? Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a specific type of genetic material located in the mitochondria of cells. Unlike autosomal DNA, which is a mix of both parents, mtDNA is passed down exclusively from a mother to her children. Because it does not undergo recombination, it remains nearly identical across generations, making it a definitive tool for tracing a direct maternal lineage. How Mitochondrial DNA Inheritance Works The inheritance pattern of mtDNA is … [Read more...]