Did you know … Mitochondrial DNA can be extracted even when the cell is degraded?

Mitochondrial DNA can be extracted even when the cell is dead.

There is a tiny loop of genetic material inside a cell called mitochondria DNA (mtDNA). Each cell has one nucleus containing nuclear DNA (nDNA). However, each cell has 1000 to 2500 tiny loops of mitochondria DNA. Because of the relative abundance of mtDNA in the cell, it can often be extracted from old, dead, or degraded samples in which nDNA is sparse. 

For example, if a strand of hair is found at a crime scene, the nDNA it contains may be too few or insufficient for analysis. However, because each cell contains multiple copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), there is a greater chance of extracting enough mtDNA from the hair. This can help scientists find out who the hair belongs and can help solve the crime. Similarly, in the case of a decaying body of unclear identity, bones, and teeth contain only small amounts of nDNA, which may not be enough or be difficult to extract or use. mt DNA which is a lot more in a cell can often be extracted. This can help forensic scientists identify who the body belongs to.

So, don't forget the tiny loop of mitochondria. It may be tiny but there are sure a lot of them in a cell!