maternal inheritance
Quick Summary
Maternal inheritance, also known as cytoplasmic inheritance, refers to the transmission of genetic traits from parent to offspring through the cytoplasm of the germ cell, rather than through the nucleus. This type of inheritance primarily involves mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is located within mitochondria, organelles responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells.12
In most organisms, including humans, mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mother. This is because the egg cell contributes the vast majority of the cytoplasm to the embryo, while the mitochondria from the father's sperm are typically degraded and not incorporated. Consequently, any mutations or variations in mtDNA are passed down from mother to all of her children. These mutations can affect cellular metabolism and lead to various mitochondrial disorders, with the severity depending on the proportion of affected mitochondria.23
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human genetic diseaseMitochondrial DNA mutations…form of non-Mendelian inheritance, termed maternal inheritance, in which the mutation and disorder are passed from mothers—never from fathers—to all of their children. The mutations generally affect the function of the mitochondrion, compromising, among other processes, the production of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Severity and even penetrance can vary widely…
Read More…form of non-Mendelian inheritance, termed maternal inheritance, in which the mutation and disorder are passed from mothers—never from fathers—to all of their children. The mutations generally affect the function of the mitochondrion, compromising, among other processes, the production of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Severity and even penetrance can vary widely…
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mitochondrion…organisms, the mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally. This is because the mother’s egg cell donates the majority of cytoplasm to the embryo, and mitochondria inherited from the father’s sperm are usually destroyed.
Read More…organisms, the mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally. This is because the mother’s egg cell donates the majority of cytoplasm to the embryo, and mitochondria inherited from the father’s sperm are usually destroyed.
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