Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is small, circular, double-stranded DNA located in cell mitochondria. It is maternally inherited and does not recombine. mtDNA contains 37 genes essential for mitochondrial function and ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. Compared to nuclear DNA, mtDNA evolves more rapidly, lacks introns, and is not bound in histones. Forensic analysis of mtDNA is useful when evidence is degraded or limited. Methods include DNA extraction, PCR amplification of mtDNA regions, sequencing, and comparing sequences to identify matches or mismatches. mtDNA analysis has applications in fisheries including individual identification, mixed stock analysis, and determining phylogenetic relationships between fish species.