mtDNA and nucleus DNA as forensic evidence

How is Mtdna used in forensics? Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is used by forensic scientists when samples such as teeth, bones, and hairs without a follicle (root) are collected from crime scenes or disaster areas. MtDNA is also used when nuclear DNA is present in very low quantities or is highly degraded and does not provide a full STR profile. Traditionally, mtDNA analysis has been accomplished by amplifying hypervariable regions, a ~600 bp segment of the control region and using Sanger sequencing which is labor-intensive. With the introduction of next-generation sequencing in forensic and anthropology labs, entire mtDNA genomes can now be routinely sequenced and provide additional information on point heteroplasmies, mtDNA genome structure, and the evolution of haplotypes and haplogroups among populations.