Mitochondrial disease Flashcards
1
Q
How many genes make up the mitochondrial genome?
A
37
2
Q
Why is mitochondria inherited from the mother only?
A
Because the paternal mitochondria is in the tail of the sperm that is left behind during fertilisation
3
Q
What is heteroplasmy?
A
Presence of more than one type of organelles genome
4
Q
How is a person with all their cells containing faulty gene for mitochondria described?
A
Homoplasmy
5
Q
What is low heteroplasmy?
A
Few cells have the faulty gene
6
Q
Why is mitochondrial disease important in pregnancy?
A
Because they are at increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight.
