What property makes mtDNA suitable for identification in forensic cases?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is particularly valuable in forensic identification due to its survivability over time. Unlike nuclear DNA, which can degrade relatively quickly due to environmental factors, mtDNA has a higher resistance to degradation. This allows it to persist in biological materials such as bones, hair, and teeth long after these samples might otherwise be unusable for nuclear DNA analysis.

In forensic settings, this trait makes mtDNA useful for identifying individuals in cases where other types of DNA have broken down. For example, in mass disasters or ancient remains, mtDNA can potentially be retrieved and analyzed when nuclear DNA cannot. This characteristic is essential for forensic analysts when determining identity and linking individuals to crime scenes over prolonged periods.