Why do geneticists use mitochondrial DNA (as opposed to DNA from the nucleus) to construct phylogenies?

Question

anonymous · Answer

http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/ingman.html

thomaster · Answer

Because there is usually no change in mtDNA from parent to offspring. 
Also the mutation rate of animal mtDNA is higher than that of nuclear DNA.
Therefore it's a better tool to track ancestry.

anonymous · Answer

Welcome to Open Study @lenaledesma

aaronq · Answer

i didn't know the mutation rate for mtDNA was higher, cooool.

nincompoop · Answer

it has something to do with it being only inherited maternally

nincompoop · Answer

if you meant because the replication rate is higher and that is advantageous when doing PCR makes it an acceptable reason as a basis for amplifying and sequencing. But the trace for phylogeny is easier when we are tracking from one line (mothers), than two (both parent).

nincompoop · Answer

looking at the non-recombinant DNA feature of mitochondrial DNA helps by looking at fewer mutations.

koikkara · Answer

Hai Sweet Friend, @lenaledesma WeLcoMe to OpeN stuDy.. !!

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