AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In humans, mitochondrial DNA spans about 16, 500 DNA building blocks (base pairs), representing a small fraction of the total DNA in cells. Mitochondrial DNA contains 37 genes, all of which are essential for normal mitochondrial function.

Detailed explanation-2: -The mitochondrial genome contains 37 genes that encode 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. The 13 mitochondrial gene-encoded proteins all instruct cells to produce protein subunits of the enzyme complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation system, which enables mitochondria to act as the powerhouses of our cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -The assembly of the mitochondrial ATP synthase is a complicated process that involves the coordinated association of mitochondrially and nuclear encoded subunits (12). In humans, the genes encoding the Fo subunits ATP6 and ATP8 are located in the mitochondrial genome.

Detailed explanation-4: -The human mitochondrial proteome consists of an estimated 1100–1400 distinct proteins, of which 13 are encoded by the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).