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Mitochondrial inheritance

Definition(s)

Mitochondria, cytoplasmic organelles that produce the energy source ATP for most chemical reactions in the body, contain their own distinct genome; mutations in mitochondrial genes are responsible for several recognized syndromes and are always maternally inherited since ova contain mitochondria, whereas sperm do not

Definition from: GeneTestsThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. from the University of Washington and the National Center for Biotechnology Information

Related discussion in the Handbook

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: May 21, 2012