1

DNA in the nucleus

DNA

Contains our genetic information

2

Two kinds of DNA within our cell

DNA

Within the nucleus

Within the mitochondria

1

2

3

Circular genome

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

16 569 bases

37 genes

Non-coding regions known as “D-loop”

1 to 3% variation between

unrelated individuals

4

High copy number per cell

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

More resistant to sample degradation

More robust than nuclear DNA

5

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

mtDNA inherited strictly from the mother

Not unique to an individual

Faster mutation than nuclear DNA

6

The Romanovs

7

Russia’s imperial family

The Romanovs

1917 Russian revolution

1918

Romanov family murdered / executed

8

The Romanovs

Remains burned and buried

No nuclear DNA

mtDNA extracted

9

Romanov family tree

10

The Romanovs

Intact maternal line

Same mtDNA as Tsar Nicholas

One set of bones identified

11

The Romanovs

Remains of the Tsar’s children

Same mtDNA as the Tsarina

12

Romanov family tree

13

The Romanovs

Remains were that of the Romanov family

Prince Philip should have the

same mtDNA as the Tsarina

mtDNA matched the remains

14

The Romanovs

Rumors

Did the Grand Duchess

Anastasia survive?

Grand Duchess Anastasia

Anna Anderson

15

Berlin, 1920s

Woman claimed to be the

Grand Duchess Anastasia

Anna Anderson

Died in Virginia, U.S.A. in 1986

16

DNA analysis

Tissue from a surgical sample

DNA extracted

Match to Franziska Schanzkowska