Internationally recognized authorities describe in great detail the methods they have perfected to analyze mtDNA and the proteins involved in its maintenance. The analytical techniques cover the purification of mtDNA from a variety of sources and the analysis of DNA for both deletions, point mutations, and damage, for replication intermediates, and for following the fate of mtDNA outside of the mitochondria. Additional analytical methods are presented for analyzing the proteins and enzymes that maintain mtDNA. Comprehensive and timely, Mitochondrial DNA: Methods and Protocols offers both basic and clinical researchers proven cutting-edge methods for analyzing mtDNA and illuminating the role it plays in the aging process, apoptosis, and possibly some cancers.