Mitochondrial DNA Flashcards
1
Q
How is mitochondrial DNA structured?
A
- double-stranded
- ring-shaped
2
Q
Where does mitochondrial DNA come from?
A
- the egg cell (oocyte)
- so entirely inherited from the mother
3
Q
What do the base pairs in mitochondrial DNA code for?
A
- proteins (enzymes)
- tRNA
- rRNA
4
Q
What do the genes in mitochondrial DNA do?
A
- essential for the normal functioning of mitochondria
- they code for the enzymes that control cellular respiration
5
Q
What comes from the sperm during fertilisation?
A
- only the chromosomes
6
Q
Where do the organelles in a zygote come from?
A
- the cytoplasm of the egg
- ie from the mother
7
Q
What is a marker
A
- a site created by the mutation of mitochondrial DNA
- e.g. where one nucleotide is replaced by another
8
Q
What does it mean if two mtDNA profiles are very similar?
A
- the organisms are closely related
9
Q
What does it mean if 2 mtDNA profiles show differences?
A
- the organisms will have diverged along different evolutionary pathways
10
Q
What is the purpose of mapping markers through generations?
A
- enables tracing of lineages through females (matrilineage)
- used to track the ancestry of human groups/individuals back through generations
11
Q
How can mtDNA profiles be used?
A
- reconstruct family maternal-linked relationships
- investigate forensic cases where the chromosomal DNA is degraded
- determine if siblings have the same mother
