Questions tagged [mtdna]

What is the role of mitochondrial DNA in tracing a dog's lineage?

Category: Genetics

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a crucial role in tracing a dog's lineage due to its unique inheritance pattern and high mutation rate. Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents, mtDNA is passed down exclusively from the mother to her offspring. This maternal inheritance makes mtDNA a...