Human mitochondrial genetics
Mitochondrial genetics is talking about tiny energy factories in our cells called mitochondria that are passed down from mothers to their children. In other words, mommy's mitochondria are passed on to her baby, while daddy's mitochondria does not play any role in inheritance. And because fathers don't provide any mitochondrial DNA, it's only mothers who determine the genetic sequence of their child's mitochondrial DNA.
The mitochondria are like the cell’s powerhouses that help provide energy. They play an essential role in supplying energy for the body by converting food into a usable form. And just like other parts of our body, the mitochondria have DNA too. These tiny bits of DNA within the mitochondria are collectively known as mtDNA.
Mitochondrial DNA has a unique feature that makes it interesting from a genetics standpoint. Unlike the DNA found in the nucleus, mtDNA only has a single copy. Therefore, any changes that occur in mtDNA will immediately reflect in its function. Also, mtDNA does not experience recombination, which means that the entire genetic sequence of the mitochondria is transferred from mother to child without any modifications or changes except for rare mutations.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations are generally rare and can lead to various medical conditions. Since they are maternally inherited, a significant risk factor for developing such disorders can pass from generation to generation. Many mitochondrial diseases are difficult to diagnose, treat and manage because they affect different parts of the body, cause symptoms that differ widely from individual to individual, and at different ages.
In other words, just like mommy passes her eye or hair color to her child, she also passes her mitochondrial DNA. This mitochondrial DNA is essential for providing energy to the cell, but sometimes it can have some mutations that cause diseases. It's mum's responsibility to ensure that she is having healthy babies by making sure to eat well, exercise and take care of herself.
The mitochondria are like the cell’s powerhouses that help provide energy. They play an essential role in supplying energy for the body by converting food into a usable form. And just like other parts of our body, the mitochondria have DNA too. These tiny bits of DNA within the mitochondria are collectively known as mtDNA.
Mitochondrial DNA has a unique feature that makes it interesting from a genetics standpoint. Unlike the DNA found in the nucleus, mtDNA only has a single copy. Therefore, any changes that occur in mtDNA will immediately reflect in its function. Also, mtDNA does not experience recombination, which means that the entire genetic sequence of the mitochondria is transferred from mother to child without any modifications or changes except for rare mutations.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations are generally rare and can lead to various medical conditions. Since they are maternally inherited, a significant risk factor for developing such disorders can pass from generation to generation. Many mitochondrial diseases are difficult to diagnose, treat and manage because they affect different parts of the body, cause symptoms that differ widely from individual to individual, and at different ages.
In other words, just like mommy passes her eye or hair color to her child, she also passes her mitochondrial DNA. This mitochondrial DNA is essential for providing energy to the cell, but sometimes it can have some mutations that cause diseases. It's mum's responsibility to ensure that she is having healthy babies by making sure to eat well, exercise and take care of herself.
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