Книга: Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup: Genetics, DNA, Mitochondrion, Nuclear DNA, Mitochondrial DNA, Ovum, Non-Mendelian inheritance, Mendelian inheritance, Paternal mtDNA transmission

Human mitochondrial genetics is the study of the genetics of the DNA contained in human mitochondria. Mitochondria are small structures in cells that generate energy for the cell to use, and are hence referred to as the 'powerhouses' of the cell. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not transmitted through nuclear DNA (nDNA). In humans, as in most multicellular organisms, mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother's ovum. The mitochondrial DNA inherited by a female from its mother's egg produces mitochondria to supply the energy to sustain the female's eggs. Mitochondrial inheritance is therefore non-Mendelian, as Mendelian inheritance presumes that half the genetic material of a fertilized egg (zygote) derives from each parent.