Mitochondrial DNA is a replication of the the DNA from the mother. All mitochondrial DNA comes from the mother is replicated and not changed. This means that the same DNA code has been passed down from mother to mother since when humans first walked the earth . Scientists estimate this woman lived from 150 to 200 thousand years ago.
Mitochondrial DNA only makes up .001% of our DNA, but it is the only DNA that is not in the nucleus. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Any they are inherited from the mother.
Guess what? You're descended from "Xenia," the name given to one of "The Seven Daughters of Eve" in the book of that name. (Cousin Ann got tested, and we have the same mitochondrial DNA.)
ReplyDeleteScientists can trace the migrations of the descendants of these seven women through DNA testing of modern humans.
Mom