Is mitochondrial DNA only from the mother?
Unlike nuclear DNA, which is passed down from both the mother and the father, mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively from the mother.
Although the nuclear genome represents an amalgamation of DNA sequences inherited from each parent, the mitochondrial genome is inherited solely from the mother. Males do not transmit their mitochondrial genome to their offspring.
Unlike nuclear genes, which are inherited from both parents, mitochondrial genes are inherited only from the mother. If there is a mutation in a mitochondrial gene, it is passed from a mother to all of her children; sons will not pass it on, but daughters will pass it on to all of their children, and so on.
Only mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA are exclusively inherited from mothers. If this is the way a mitochondrial disease was inherited, there is a 100% chance that each child in the family will inherit a mitochondrial disease.
Nature.
It is not entirely clear why the father's mtDNA does not endure, but previous research has indicated that sperm cells have a gene that triggers the destruction of paternal mitochondria when fertilization occurs.
Fathers Can Pass Mitochondrial DNA to Children
Researchers identify unique cases in which people inherited mitochondrial DNA not just from their mother but also from their father.
If the father passes on an X chromosome, the baby will be genetically female, and if the father passes on a Y chromosome, the baby will be genetically male.
But now, a provocative new study finds that, in rare cases, dads can pass on mitochondrial DNA, too. The study found evidence that 17 people from three different families appeared to inherit mitochondrial DNA from both their mother and their father.
Their results show that mitochondrial DNA is stably transmitted from mothers to their offspring only. This clonal inheritance indeed makes mitochondrial DNA suitable for use in evolutionary studies. Scientists have argued whether or not the often-studied mitochondrial DNA molecule is clonally inherited.
Can mitochondrial disease be passed from father?
Fathers Can Pass Mitochondrial DNA to Children
Researchers identify unique cases in which people inherited mitochondrial DNA not just from their mother but also from their father.
Mitochondrial DNA is the circular chromosome found inside the cellular organelles called mitochondria. Located in the cytoplasm, mitochondria are the site of the cell's energy production and other metabolic functions. Offspring inherit mitochondria — and as a result mitochondrial DNA — from their mother.
Females always pass an X chromosome onto their offspring. If the father passes on an X chromosome, the baby will be genetically female, and if the father passes on a Y chromosome, the baby will be genetically male.
