Mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA, analysis is a subset of DNA analysis, which uses the unique genetic information in the cells of living organisms to identify them. DNA analysis has a number of useful forensic, or crime solving, applications.
The University of Michigan Health System Glossary explains that mitochondria, "the structures within the cell that produce chemical energy " have their own, particular DNA inherited from the mother (as part of the egg cell).
mtDNA is especially useful to police and military investigators because it can be used to analyze hair, bones and teeth when other forms of DNA analysis cannot be performed.
mtDNA can be used to identify both terrorism perpetrators and its victims. For example, before the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, U.S. Forces claimed that they could identify a potential suspect by matching it to DNA on his possessions.
In a separate context, mtDNA analysis has been used to identify remains of the victims of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.
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