Mitochondrial DNA Profiling

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a versatile tool in understanding the clinical and non-clinical aspects attributed by the nucleotide sequences. The presence of the nucleotide sequences and their constant mutations within provide unique phenotypic characters to the bearer and are a probable cause of numerous disorders related to the functional output of the mitochondrion. The study and understanding of these nucleotide sequences have clinical and forensic applications. Clinical applications include the prognosis of mitochondrial diseases (mitochondriopathies) and undertaking preventive or delaying measures, whereas forensic applications of mtDNA are very essential in the case of missing persons or the case of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). Apart from these, mtDNA can also give an idea of the maternal lineage of the victim or suspect. In cases of disputed maternity, mtDNA can provide information concerning the heredity of the disputed child. These benefits of the mtDNA make it a valuable asset for research and further study to understand the rate and occurrence of the mutations and their effects on the phenotypic characters of individuals.