Mitochondrial DNA Flashcards
1
Q
Where is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found?
A
- in a;; mitochondria in the cytoplasm of cells
2
Q
What is the shape of mitochondrial DNA?
A
- double-stranded, ring-shaped molecule
3
Q
Where does mtDNA come from?
A
- the egg cell (oocyte)
- so it is entirely inherited from the mother
4
Q
What does mtDNA have that is unique to itself? What does this do?
A
- has its own genome of about 16 500 base pairs
- these code for proteins (enzymes), tRNA and rRNA
5
Q
How does the length of mtDNA differ from chromosomal DNA?
A
- it is much shorter
6
Q
What are the genes found in mitochondria essential for?
A
- the normal functioning of mitochondria
- as they code for the enzymes that control cellular respiration
7
Q
What were mitochondria originally?
A
- separate organisms, ie prokaryotes
8
Q
Why is DNA in mitochondria?
A
- they were originally prokaryotes
- they entered a symbiotic relationship with eukaryotic cells through endosmosis
- as a result, they contain their own circular DNA called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA
