You inherit mitochondrial DNA exclusively from your mother. This DNA, found in the mitochondria, is responsible for energy production within cells. Unlike the nuclear DNA found in the nucleus of a cell, which you inherit from both parents, mitochondrial DNA is passed down solely through the maternal line.
Examples:
- Mitochondrial diseases: These can be caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA and are often inherited from the mother.
- Tracing ancestry: Mitochondrial DNA is used to trace maternal lineages and can be helpful in understanding human history and evolution.
