Mitochondrial DNA: From Forensic Genetics to the Origins of Humanity

Abstract

Mitochondria are cellular organelles that provide cellular energy. Along with chloroplasts of plant cells, mitochondria are the only organelles that have genetic material. These peculiarities make mitochondrial DNA (DNA) one of the main research topics in the field of Cytology and Genetics. Interest shared by Criminalistics, which uses mDNA analysis for forensic identification of DNA traces in which nuclear DNA analysis is not possible. In addition to being used in forensic investigation, mtDNA analysis has also been widely used in paleoanthropological investigation through the elaboration of human phylogenies, which retroact to only one female ancestor, known as mitochondrial Eve. In this context, this manuscript aims to address the relevance of this organelle in the field of Criminalistics and the Sciences of Origins, presenting the scientific, philosophical and theological implications arising from the in-depth analysis of this cellular structure.