Mitochondrial DNA can be tested for genealogy purposes, but what is the
function of Mitochondrial DNA?
A major function of (mtDNA) Mitochondrial DNA is assisting us in the
aging
process. mtDNA is a sensitive DNA strand and mutations can cause hereditary
diseases. Another function of mtDNA is allowing us to track down hundreds of
generations.
In forensics, it is used to identify bodies and skeletal remains for crimes that
are unidentified.
The main function of mtDNA is the production of energy. The cell uses
this energy to perform specific work necessary for cell survival.
The things
used to generate this energy are the food we eat, and tissues that are broken
down in a process called Catabolism. These molecules are transferred into
the mitochondria where further processing occurs.
Other mitochondria functions involve building, breaking down and recycling
products needed for proper cell functioning.
Mitochondrial DNA is a road map to your maternal ancestry. You can find out your
lineage through the clues your ancestors left in your DNA. Get the best results
at
Ancestry.com DNA testing