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Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...

Non-nuclear Inheritance

Non-nuclear Inheritance

Most DNA resides in the nucleus of a cell. However, some organelles in the cell cytoplasm⁠—such as chloroplasts and mitochondria⁠—also have their own DNA. These organelles replicate their DNA independently of the nuclear DNA of the cell in which they reside. Non-nuclear inheritance describes the inheritance of genes from structures other than the nucleus.

Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes

Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes

A eukaryotic cell can have up to three different types of genetic systems: nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplast. During evolution, organelles have exported many genes to the nucleus; this transfer is still ongoing in some plant species. Approximately 18% of the Arabidopsis thaliana nuclear genome is thought to be derived from the chloroplast’s cyanobacterial ancestor, and around 75% of the yeast genome derived from the mitochondria’s bacterial ancestor. This export has occurred irrespective...

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...

Translation

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life

Translation

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Published on: March 17, 2023

Mitochondrial DNA and genetic disease.

Kim J Krishnan¹, Doug M Turnbull

¹Mitochondrial Research Group, Newcastle University Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE2 4HH, UK.

Essays in Biochemistry

|June 11, 2010

Summary

Mitochondria are vital cell organelles. Mutations in their compact genome (mitochondrial DNA) cause genetic diseases, aging, and other health issues due to defective function.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Genetics
Molecular Biology

Background:

Mitochondria are essential cellular organelles with a unique genome.
The mitochondrial genome is small, encoding 37 genes, and is highly susceptible to mutations.
Mutations in mitochondrial DNA are linked to various human diseases and the aging process.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an up-to-date overview of mitochondrial DNA structure and function.
To explore the consequences of mitochondrial DNA defects.
To highlight the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease and aging.

Main Methods:

Literature review of current research on mitochondrial DNA.
Analysis of established knowledge regarding mitochondrial genome structure and function.

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Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

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An In Vitro Approach to Study Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Cybrid Model

An In Vitro Approach to Study Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Cybrid Model

Published on: March 9, 2022

Synthesis of information on disease mechanisms linked to mitochondrial defects.

Main Results:

Mitochondrial DNA's compact nature makes it prone to mutations.
These mutations significantly impact cellular function.
Defective mitochondrial function is a key factor in numerous genetic disorders and aging.

Conclusions:

Understanding mitochondrial DNA is crucial for comprehending genetic diseases.
Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a significant area for medical research.
Further investigation into mitochondria may yield therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases.