- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 8 :: mtDNA & Y-STR
Topic 3 :: mtDNA Considerations
Interesting Uses of mtDNA
The use of mtDNA as a forensic tool evolved from its role in the study of human history and human disease. mtDNA analysis solved several historical mysteries, such as the identification of the Czar's remains in Russia and the skeleton of Jesse James. Anthropologists have recovered mtDNA from Neanderthal skeletons at least 30,000 years old.
This type of forensic analysis routinely aids in identification of war dead, including a serviceman who served in Vietnam now buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Recently, it augmented STR testing of remains from the World Trade Center attacks (9/11/01).
