Mitochondrial DNA codes for about 13 proteins (depending on the species of organism). These 13 proteins account for a small proportion of the proteins present in mitochondria. The remaining proteins are coded for by nuclear DNA. What is the most likely explanation for how these proteins find their way to the mitochondria?

After reading Bryan Sykes' book, "The Seven Daughters of Eve", I came across a chapter which disucssed Mitochondrial DNA and how it is used to link back ancestory of organisms. I do understand this concept where the mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother and therefore is constant unless it undergoes mutions over the generations, but what I would like to understand is how Mitochondrial DNA can be used to determine relationships between organisms..

Thanks for the help!

Ok I just read that 85 percent of Dominicans and 26 percent of Puerto Ricans of African mitochondrial DNA. What does this mean? Does it mean the the first female ancester in your family was African? Thanks!

What is the difference between the inheritance of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, and what advantages and limitations doe comparisons of mitochondrial DNA offer for establishing genetic relatedness?

Mitochondrial dna involves tracing maternal roots.....right? Would this be only on ones mother's side? Or would mitochondrial dna also be used to trace dna along paternal lines with dna handed down from a paternal grandmother? Thanks for your help!

Is all DNA 'mitochondrial' DNA? If not, what is the precisew definition of mitochondrial DNA (as opposed to any other DNA)?