Question

How are mitochondria inherited?

Answer 1

Mitochondria:

1. In most eukaryotic species, a mitochondrion is a double-membrane-bound organelle.
2. Mitochondria produce the majority of the cell's adenosine triphosphate through aerobic respiration, which is used as a source of chemical energy throughout the cell.

Mitochondrial Inheritance:

1. Mitochondria genes are inherited only from mother to child.
2. Numerous mitochondria can be found in the ovum. As a result, mitochondrial inheritance is not Mendelian.
3. If a mitochondrial gene mutation occurs, it is handed on from a mother to all of her children. Boys will not inherit the mutation, but daughters will, and so on.
4. Recent research has revealed that mitochondria can be inherited from the father in a small percentage of cases.
5. Deletions or point mutations in mitochondrial DNA are common.
6. A maternally inherited harmful mitochondrial DNA mutation affects one out of every 400 people.
7. Individual families may find it difficult to separate mitochondrial inheritance from autosomal dominant or X-linked inheritance, however, the sex of the transmitting and non-transmitting parents can often suggest a mitochondrial basis.
8. The mitochondria are the energy providers for the cell, so it's no surprise that the organs with the highest energy demands, such as the brain, muscles, heart, and liver, are the ones most affected by dysfunctional mitochondria.
9. Developmental delays, seizures, heart dysfunction, decreased muscle strength and tone, and hearing and vision difficulties are all common symptoms.