mitochondrial DNA

For the most part, our genetic heritage is a “crap shoot” mixture of mom and dad. But the DNA of the engines powering our bodies, mitochondria, are inherited only from mom, which makes for some biological differences, including the Mother’s Curse.
People who commit suicide tend to have shorter telomeres and excess mitochondrial DNA. While these changes are not likely to be responsible for them committing suicide, they instead could serve as a biomarker for risk of suicide.