Mountain DNA

Introduction: Not only do humans have 46 chromosomes but also each mitochondrian contains DNA. This DNA (mt DNA) contains only 37 genes which are all involved in the creation of energy. If one of these genes is diseased it effects the persons ability to generate energy and therfore is often tired. It is believed that mitochondria (which is bacteria) was taken up by the primitive human. The mitochondria could then feed off the helathy environment and help humans survive. Since mitochondria is bacteria, it has a higher rate of mutation. MtDNA has helped scientists trace history of humans. They used mtDNA polymorphisms to create a "family tree" and discovered that all humans come from a common ancestor. It is estimated that humans came from one ancestor around 200,000 years ago. The common ancestor became known as the "mitochondrial Eve". It is a reference to the biblical story of Adam and Eve however, presents the idea that there was no male present. Scientists say there was no male present because mtDNA is it's passed on maternally, meaning the mother is the only contributor. MtDNA is also used in forensic biology especially when the DNA is extremely damaged. It has been used to identify unknown soldiers after the Vietnam war, identify the Romonov royal family, and determine the relationship of Neandertal reamins to modern humans. In our experiment we will be going through the same process as the last lab to discover whether or not we contain a certain gene in mtDNA.