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Uniqueness of mtDNA: MtDNA is passed down from mothers to their children, and it has a high mutation rate. This means that mtDNA can vary between individuals, even within the same family. This variation makes mtDNA a valuable tool for identifying individuals.
Preservation of mtDNA: MtDNA is more resistant to degradation compared to nuclear DNA. As a result, mtDNA can often be extracted from remains that are highly damaged or decomposed, such as those found at the WTC site.
Reference database: Prior to the WTC attacks, a database of reference mtDNA samples from living relatives of potential victims had been established. This database allowed investigators to compare mtDNA extracted from remains at the WTC site to the reference samples to determine potential matches.
Identification process: Investigators used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify specific regions of mtDNA extracted from remains found at the WTC site. The amplified mtDNA was then sequenced and compared with the mtDNA sequences from the reference database. A positive match between the mtDNA from remains and the reference sample confirmed the identity of the victim.
Complex and time-consuming: Although mtDNA analysis was a powerful tool for identification, the process was complex and time-consuming. It required specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and extensive laboratory work. In some cases, it took years to identify victims solely based on mtDNA analysis.
MtDNA analysis played a significant role in identifying WTC victims when traditional identification methods were not possible due to the severe damage and fragmentation of remains caused by the attacks. It demonstrated the importance of preserving and maintaining reference mtDNA samples for use in disaster victim identification efforts.