DNA is found in almost every cell of the human body, mainly inside the cell nucleus and also in smaller amounts inside mitochondria.

Main places we find DNA

  • Inside cells: Most DNA sits in the nucleus of nearly all your cells, where it is arranged into chromosomes and holds your genetic instructions.
  • Mitochondria: A small amount of DNA (mitochondrial DNA) is stored in mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells.

In the body as samples

Because DNA is in cells almost everywhere, it can be collected from many sample types.

  • Blood, saliva, and cheek (buccal) swabs
  • Hair roots, skin cells, and sweat traces
  • Bones and teeth, which can preserve DNA for years or even centuries in forensic and archaeological cases

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.