Multiple choice

Mitochondria are energy-converting organelles, which are present in virtually all eukaryotic cells. These are also called semi-autonomous organelles because of the presence of mitochondrial DNA genome, special mitochondrial ribosomes, tRNAs and various enzymes required for the expression of the mitochondrial genes.

Which of the following is incorrect about mammalian mitochondrial DNA?

  1. It is double stranded.

  2. Each mitochondrion contains about 100 DNA molecules.

  3. It is circular in nature.

  4. It is inherited paternally.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mitochondrial DNA is not inherited paternally. It is inherited maternally. Mitochondria and their DNA molecules (mtDNA), are the genetic units of this method of inheritance. Mitochondrial genes, in the contrast to genes in the nucleus, have an exclusively maternal mode of inheritance in mammals.

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