What are the applications of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?

There are several applications of mtDNA. In anthropological genetics, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) serves as a valuable tool for tracing the geographic distribution of genetic variation, expansions, patterns of gene flow and aiding in the study of human migrations. It is also used in forensics to identify human remains with precision. mtDNA is also used in medical studies, as they are believed to play a role in causing diseases like type Type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD).