Why isn't mitochondrial DNA a unique identifier?
A)Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the paternal lineage.All offspring inherit their father's mitochondria,and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.As a result,all family members that share a paternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a paternal line,but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.
B)Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.All offspring inherit their mother's mitochondria,and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.As a result,all family members that share a maternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line,but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.
C)Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal lineage.All female offspring inherit their mother's mitochondria,and therefore the same mitochondrial DNA.As a result,all female family members that share a maternal lineage would have the same mitochondrial DNA.Mitochondrial DNA can therefore be used to confirm or eliminate a person's relationship within a maternal line,but cannot be used to identify a specific individual.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively through the maternal lineage, meaning all offspring (regardless of gender) receive their mitochondrial DNA from their mother. This shared mitochondrial DNA among siblings and maternal relatives makes it unsuitable as a unique identifier for an individual.

Why Isn't Mitochondrial DNA a Unique Identifier