Deoxyribonucleic Acid, otherwise known as DNA, is a very fascinating subject. DNA is the genetic material for nearly all (but some microorganisms) living organisms. It usually makes up things called chromosomes. DNA also contains information crucial to heredity.

Everyone starts from one cell, and the DNA in that one cell is enough information to build an entire human being. DNA actually comes from the sex cells of a human’s parents. Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes and together they make up the 46 chromosomes normal human beings have. This type of DNA is called nuclear DNA because it is inside of the nucleus, but there is another very important type of DNA.

Mitochondrial DNA, or MTDNA, is another type of DNA that controls the mitochondria. The mitochondria are a type of organelle inside the cell where a chemical reaction goes on that gives organisms the energy they use to do anything and everything. Mitochondria are so complex and important that they need their on set of DNA. MTDNA is directly inherited from the mother, so without as much diversity MTDNA mutates much easier. Mutations can cause many types of cancer, diabetes, and many other things.