Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), found within mitochondria, stands apart from nuclear DNA by its exclusive maternal origin. Unlike nuclear DNA, which is a blend of parental DNA, each person's mtDNA closely mirrors that of their mother. With a limited number of genes (37 in total), mtDNA contrasts with the nucleus, which contains approximately 20,000 genes. In contrast to the two copies of each gene in the nucleus, mitochondria can house 10 or more copies of each gene, and with hundreds to thousands of mitochondria in every cell, the total copies of each mitochondrial gene become substantial. The unique attributes of mtDNA render it valuable for specific DNA testing applications. In crime scene investigations, the quantity of mtDNA plays a crucial role in determining the information forensic scientists can extract and whether they can identify individuals present at the scene. In cases where nuclear DNA is insufficient for analysis, mtDNA often proves adequate due to its abundance in every cell and its greater stability compared to nuclear DNA. While mtDNA analysis may not always pinpoint a specific individual, it can identify a particular family, making it a useful tool in forensic contexts.