Mitochondrial DNA: A Reliable Tool in Forensic Odontology

Forensic odontology has emerged as one of the prime tool in Forensic investigations. Tooth being resistant to degrading environmental conditions, is a potential source in solving various criminal cases. Over the last few decades, DNA analysis has revolutionized the Forensic field. There have been several technical modifications and advancements in the DNA analysis. One such advance in the recent past is the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondrial genome exhibit several unique characteristics such as multiple genome copies, heteroplasmy, variable expressivity, mitotic segregation and the threshold effect. These properties affect its inheritance pattern and even the Forensic analysis.