Final answer:
Mitochondrial DNA is different in shape from nuclear DNA, with a circular structure. It is inherited from the mother, and its sequences can be used to determine ancestry. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA reveals evolutionary relationships and common maternal ancestors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is different in shape from nuclear DNA because mitochondria have a circular structure, while nuclear DNA has a linear structure. Mitochondrial DNA is smaller in size compared to nuclear DNA and contains fewer genes. It is also more susceptible to mutations due to its proximity to reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria.
Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother of an individual. This is because mitochondria, including the mitochondrial DNA, are present in the cytoplasm of the ovum. The sperm cell, on the other hand, contributes only its nuclear DNA to the offspring.
DNA science was used to prove the identity of skeletal remains from the Yekaterinburg. By extracting mitochondrial DNA from the remains and comparing it to the mitochondrial DNA of living relatives, scientists were able to establish a genetic match and confirm the identity of the remains.
The comparison of mitochondrial DNA sequences provides information about the maternal ancestry and evolutionary relationships. By comparing the mitochondrial DNA sequences of different individuals or populations, scientists can determine how closely related they are and how far back their common maternal ancestor lived.