What type of DNA testing can be done on bones?

Mitochondrial DNA testing is particularly suited for analyzing bones because it targets DNA located in the mitochondria, which are present in many copies per cell. This makes mitochondrial DNA testing advantageous in forensic cases where the sample quantity is limited, such as in degraded or ancient bones. Since mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and is present in several copies, it can often provide more reliable results from skeletal remains than nuclear DNA tests.

The other methods, while valuable in certain contexts, may not be as effective for bone samples in a forensic setting. RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) requires relatively intact and high-quality DNA, which may not be present in older or degraded bones. STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis is more common for analyzing fresh samples or blood, as it requires a sufficient quantity of good-quality nuclear DNA. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique that amplifies DNA and can be used for small samples; however, it is not specifically a type of DNA testing in itself, and it is often used in conjunction with the other methods to enhance their effectiveness.