Question

2. Explain how the mitochondrial genome varies across species? 3. Describe the features of human mtDNA that are important for function & discovering our ancestral past 4. Discuss the genetics of a mitochondrial disease using a case study and recent advances in technology to cure eg. Myocloniceiepsy and ragged red fiber disease 5. Define the following genetics terminology a) allele, b) genetic marker, c) linkage, d) haplotype

Answer 1

2.

Mitochondria genome shows a higher mutation rate than nuclear genome. Hence, it is varied in a much broader spectrum as compared to nuclear genome.

Also, in species like humans it is inherited from a single parent alone and hence has a uniqueness in having no contribution from the other parent. Hence, in these cases, the mitochondrial DNA may remain nearly conserved with respect to mixing with other DNA, which may further affect its variability.

The rate of evolution of the mitochondrial genome appears to exceed that of the nuclear genome by a factor of about 10. This high rate may be due, in part, to an elevated rate of mutation in mitochondrial DNA.

Because of the high rate of evolution, mitochondrial DNA is likely to be an extremely useful molecule to employ for high-resolution analysis of the evolutionary process.

Since no specific question has been asked, only the first question has been answered.