During mitochondrial inheritance, which offspring can receive a mutation from their mother?

During mitochondrial inheritance, which offspring can receive a mutation from their mother?

• A. Only sons
• B. Only daughters
• C. All offspring
• D. Only affected offspring

Answer: (C)

In mitochondrial inheritance, mutations are passed from mother to all of her offspring because mitochondria are inherited through the maternal line. This means that both sons and daughters receive their mitochondria exclusively from their mother. Each offspring, regardless of sex, can inherit the mitochondrial DNA, which includes any mutations present. This mode of inheritance is particularly important for mitochondrial diseases that may affect energy metabolism, as all offspring from an affected mother will have the potential to express the associated traits or conditions related to mitochondrial mutations. Therefore, the answer indicating that all offspring can receive a mutation from their mother accurately reflects the principles of mitochondrial inheritance.

In mitochondrial inheritance, mutations are passed from mother to all of her offspring because mitochondria are inherited through the maternal line. This means that both sons and daughters receive their mitochondria exclusively from their mother. Each offspring, regardless of sex, can inherit the mitochondrial DNA, which includes any mutations present.

This mode of inheritance is particularly important for mitochondrial diseases that may affect energy metabolism, as all offspring from an affected mother will have the potential to express the associated traits or conditions related to mitochondrial mutations. Therefore, the answer indicating that all offspring can receive a mutation from their mother accurately reflects the principles of mitochondrial inheritance.