DNA
DNA in the nucleus
Contains our genetic information
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DNA
Two kinds of DNA within our cell
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Within the nucleus
2
Within the mitochondria
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
Circular genome 16 569 bases
37 genes
Non-coding regions known as  D-loop
1 to 3% variation between
unrelated individuals
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
High copy number per cell
More robust than nuclear DNA
More resistant to sample degradation
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
mtDNA inherited strictly from the mother
Not unique to an individual
Faster mutation than nuclear DNA
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The Romanovs
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The Romanovs
Russia s imperial family
1917 Russian revolution
1918
Romanov family murdered / executed
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The Romanovs
Remains burned and buried
No nuclear DNA
mtDNA extracted
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Romanov family tree
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The Romanovs
Intact maternal line
Same mtDNA as Tsar Nicholas
One set of bones identified
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The Romanovs
Remains of the Tsar s children
Same mtDNA as the Tsarina
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Romanov family tree
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The Romanovs
Prince Philip should have the
same mtDNA as the Tsarina
mtDNA matched the remains
Remains were that of the Romanov family
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The Romanovs
Rumors
Did the Grand Duchess
Anastasia survive?
Grand Duchess Anastasia
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Berlin, 1920s
Woman claimed to be the
Grand Duchess Anastasia
Anna Anderson
Died in Virginia, U.S.A. in 1986
Anna Anderson
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DNA analysis
Tissue from a surgical sample
DNA extracted
Match to Franziska Schanzkowska
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