April 7

Mitochondrial DNA and Maternal Lineage

Mitochondria have their own DNA, separate from nuclear DNA, inherited exclusively from your mother. This supports the theory that mitochondria were once free-living bacteria that merged with cells billions of years ago. Because mitochondrial DNA mutates predictably, scientists use it to trace maternal lineages and estimate when populations diverged. All humans share a common maternal ancestor called 'Mitochondrial Eve' who lived about 150,000 years ago.