True or False: Mitochondria contains their own DNA.
True. Mitochondria contain their own DNA, separate from the DNA contained in the
nucleus of the cell. The DNA of mitochondria, also known as mtDNA, is a circular
molecule and codes for some of the proteins necessary for mitochondrial function.
The presence of mtDNA has led to the development of the endosymbiotic theory,
which suggests that mitochondria were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed
by larger cells and formed a symbiotic relationship. Over time, the bacteria gave rise
to modern-day mitochondria, which are essential for energy production in eukaryotic
cells.
Mutations in mtDNA have been linked to a range of diseases, including mitochondrial
myopathy, Leigh syndrome, and Kearns-Sayre syndrome. These diseases are often
caused by defects in the electron transport chain or oxidative phosphorylation, both
of which are crucial processes for energy production in mitochondria.
The fact that mitochondria have their own DNA also has implications for genetics
and ancestry studies. Analysis of mtDNA can be used to trace maternal lineages and
provide information about human evolution and migration.
References:
1. Wallace, D. C. (2007). Why do we still have a maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA?
Insights from evolutionary medicine. Annual review of biochemistry, 76, 781-821.
2. Chinnery, P. F., & Hudson, G. (2013). Mitochondrial genetics. British Medical Bulletin,
106(1), 135-159.
3. Gorman, G. S., Chinnery, P. F., DiMauro, S., Hirano, M., Koga, Y., McFarland, R., ... &
Turnbull, D. M. (2016). Mitochondrial diseases. Nature reviews Disease primers, 2(1),
16080.