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DNA in the nucleus

DNA
Contains our genetic information
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Two kinds of DNA within our cell
DNA
Within the nucleus
Within the mitochondria
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Circular genome
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
16 569 bases
37 genes
Non-coding regions known as D-loop
1 to 3% variation between
unrelated individuals
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High copy number per cell
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
More resistant to sample degradation
More robust than nuclear DNA
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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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Russias imperial family
The Romanovs
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 Tsars children
Same mtDNA as the Tsarina
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Romanov family tree
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The Romanovs
Remains were that of the Romanov family
Prince Philip should have the
same mtDNA as the Tsarina
mtDNA matched the remains
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The Romanovs
Rumors
Did the Grand Duchess
Anastasia survive?
Grand Duchess Anastasia
Anna Anderson
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Berlin, 1920s
Woman claimed to be the
Grand Duchess Anastasia
Anna Anderson
Died in Virginia, U.S.A. in 1986
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DNA analysis
Tissue from a surgical sample
DNA extracted
Match to Franziska Schanzkowska