How genetics helped crack a Sepoy Mutiny era mystery
- April 30, 2022
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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How genetics helped crack a Sepoy Mutiny era mystery
Subject: Science & Tech
Section: Biotechnology
Context- Scientists tap DNA tech to ascertain the origin of the martyred soldiers.
Concept-
- The scientists used mitochondrial DNA and stable isotope analysis to ascertain the origin of the martyrs.
About Mitochondrial DNA:
- The mtDNA is composed of a double-stranded, circular DNA molecule, which is arranged into a single chromosome.
- Mitochondrial DNAs are molecules with high copy number, and a higher evolutionary importance compared to nuclear DNA.
- They have specific uniparental inheritance only from mothers to their child, which is useful for tracing matrilineal kinship in many generations.
About Mitochondrial DNA Analysis:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is used by forensic scientists when samples such as teeth, bones, and hairs without a follicle (root) are collected from crime scenes or disaster areas.
- MtDNA is also used when nuclear DNA is present in very low quantities or is highly degraded and does not provide a full STR profile.
- Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited.
- The high sensitivity of mtDNA analysis allows forensic scientists to obtain information from old items of evidence associated with cold cases and small pieces of evidence containing little biological material.