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Questions and Answers
What is the inheritance pattern of mitochondrial DNA?
What is the inheritance pattern of mitochondrial DNA?
From whom is mitochondrial DNA primarily inherited?
From whom is mitochondrial DNA primarily inherited?
Which parent is the main source of mitochondrial DNA?
Which parent is the main source of mitochondrial DNA?
In the context of mitochondrial DNA, who contributes more to its inheritance?
In the context of mitochondrial DNA, who contributes more to its inheritance?
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Study Notes
Inheritance Pattern of Mitochondrial DNA
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited in a maternal pattern, meaning it is passed down from mothers to their offspring.
- Both male and female offspring receive mitochondrial DNA exclusively from their mother, not from their father.
- Mitochondrial DNA is generally not subjected to Mendelian inheritance patterns; it is transmitted through the maternal line.
Maternal Contribution to Mitochondrial DNA
- The primary source of mitochondrial DNA is the maternal parent, as it is located within the mitochondria of the egg cell.
- Paternal mitochondrial DNA from the sperm is typically destroyed during fertilization and does not contribute to the mtDNA of the offspring.
- Mothers contribute significantly more to mitochondrial inheritance than fathers.
Significance of Mitochondrial DNA Inheritance
- Mitochondrial DNA is crucial for cellular energy production, affecting physical and metabolic traits in offspring.
- Diseases linked to mitochondrial DNA can be traced through maternal lineage, aiding in genetic studies and understanding inheritance patterns.
- Mitochondrial diseases can arise from mutations in mtDNA, which can be passed to the next generation.
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Test your knowledge about mitochondrial DNA inheritance with this quiz question. Select the correct option from the given choices.