mitochondrial dna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “mitochondrial dna” mean?
A small amount of DNA found in mitochondria (cell structures that produce energy) and inherited only from the mother.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small amount of DNA found in mitochondria (cell structures that produce energy) and inherited only from the mother.
The circular genetic material contained within cellular organelles called mitochondria, used in studies of maternal lineage, evolutionary biology, and certain genetic disorders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences. Both follow the same compound noun structure.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equal frequency in relevant scientific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “mitochondrial dna” in a Sentence
[verb] + mitochondrial DNA (analyse the mitochondrial DNA)mitochondrial DNA + [verb] (mitochondrial DNA shows...)[adjective] + mitochondrial DNA (maternal mitochondrial DNA)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mitochondrial dna” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will analyse the mitochondrial DNA for hereditary clues.
- We must extract the mitochondrial DNA from the ancient bone.
American English
- Researchers sequenced the mitochondrial DNA from the sample.
- They plan to compare the mitochondrial DNA across species.
adverb
British English
- The sample was analysed mitochondrially, focusing on its unique DNA.
American English
- Genetically, it was traced mitochondrially through the maternal line.
adjective
British English
- The mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed a novel lineage.
- We need a specialist in mitochondrial DNA disorders.
American English
- She is a mitochondrial DNA researcher.
- The mitochondrial DNA evidence was critical to the case.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potential use in biotech investment reports.
Academic
Primary domain. Used in genetics, biology, archaeology, and forensic science papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in popular science articles or crime documentaries.
Technical
Standard term in genetics, medical diagnostics, and evolutionary biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mitochondrial dna”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mitochondrial dna”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mitochondrial dna”
- Incorrect spelling: 'mitocondrial' (missing 'h').
- Incorrect plural: 'mitochondrials DNA' instead of 'mitochondrial DNA' (unchanged).
- Confusing it with general genetic testing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mitochondrial DNA is located in the mitochondria, is circular, inherited solely from the mother, and has a higher mutation rate. Nuclear DNA is in the cell nucleus, is linear, inherited from both parents.
It is more abundant in cells (many copies per cell) and degrades more slowly than nuclear DNA, making it more likely to survive in ancient remains. Its maternal inheritance also helps trace population movements.
Yes, particularly for identifying degraded remains or hair shafts where nuclear DNA is absent. It is also used for maternal kinship testing.
No, almost all eukaryotic organisms (animals, plants, fungi) that have mitochondria possess mitochondrial DNA.
A small amount of DNA found in mitochondria (cell structures that produce energy) and inherited only from the mother.
Mitochondrial dna is usually technical/scientific in register.
Mitochondrial dna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.təʊˌkɒn.dri.əl ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.t̬oʊˌkɑːn.dri.əl ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “matrilineal tracer”
- “genetic time capsule”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MITOCHONDRIA = the cell's 'powerhouse'. Mitochondrial DNA is the DNA in that powerhouse, passed down the mother's line like a family power grid.
Conceptual Metaphor
A matrilineal passport or a genetic torch passed from mother to child.
Practice
Quiz
Which statement about mitochondrial DNA is correct?