1. Mitochondrial DNA http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/mtdna

2. Mitochondria have their own circular DNA. Mitochondria replicate by themselves, without relying on the nucleus for instructions. Mitochondrial DNA is located in the matrix of each mitochondria

3. 16,500 DNA base pairs, functioning as 37 genes 13 genes related to ATP production Other genes are for rRNA and tRNA production (necessary for protein production)

4. Mitochondria are inherited from your mother from the egg Therefore, unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA doesn't get shuffled every generation, so it is presumed to change at a slower rate, which is useful for the study of human evolution. Mitochondrial DNA is also used in forensic science as a tool for identifying corpses or body parts. has been implicated in a number of genetic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

5. Short video: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/extras/ molgen/mito_dna.html

6. Tracing ancestry with mtDNA NOVA Online | Neanderthals on Trial | Tracing Ancestry with MtDNA (Flash)

7. Link to the article to read and take notes: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/neanderthals/ mtdna.html

8. Take notes on the article: For each paragraph, write a main idea and at least 2 details