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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Measuring Single-Cell Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Heteroplasmy Using Digital Droplet Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: July 12, 2022
PCR-Based Determination of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Multiple Species
Tess C Leuthner1, Jessica H Hartman1, Ian T Ryde1
1Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is a critical component of overall mitochondrial health. In this chapter, we describe methods for simultaneous isolation of mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nucDNA), and measurement of their respective copy numbers using quantitative PCR. Methods differ depending on the species and cell type of the starting material, and availability of specific PCR reagents. We also briefly describe factors that affect mtDNA copy number and discuss caveats to its use as a biomarker.
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