Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is preferred over nuclear STR typing in which of the following forensic scenarios?

• A Establishing paternity in disputed parentage cases
• B Distinguishing monozygotic twins in a criminal investigation
• C Identifying semen donor in sexual assault cases
• D Profiling highly degraded samples such as ancient bones or hair shafts without roots ✓

Explanation

mtDNA is present in hundreds to thousands of copies per cell (vs. two copies of nuclear DNA), making it far more recoverable from degraded biological material, shed hairs without follicles, and skeletal remains. Paternity requires nuclear (biparental) inheritance and cannot use mtDNA. Monozygotic twins share the same mtDNA (and nuclear DNA), so neither differentiates them. Semen identification uses autosomal STR typing preferentially.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.