Why Isn't Mitochondrial DNA a Unique Identifier

question 29

Multiple Choice

Why isn't mitochondrial DNA a unique identifier?

• A)Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the paternal lineage.All offspring inherit their father's mitochondria,and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.As a result,all family members that share a paternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a paternal line,but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.
• B)Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.All offspring inherit their mother's mitochondria,and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.As a result,all family members that share a maternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line,but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.
• C)Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.All female offspring inherit their mother's mitochondria,and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.As a result,all female family members that share a maternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line,but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.