AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mitochondrial DNA is the circular chromosome found inside the cellular organelles called mitochondria. Located in the cytoplasm, mitochondria are the site of the cell’s energy production and other metabolic functions. Offspring inherit mitochondria-and as a result mitochondrial DNA-from their mother.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -In eukaryotic cells, DNA occurs mainly in a linear chromosomes. In addition, it can also take the form of circular molecules. Mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes are the most thoroughly studied circular DNAs.

Detailed explanation-4: -’ That is because eukaryotic cell nuclei have linear chromosomes, while prokaryotes have circular nucleoids and plasmids. However, biologists also know that most of our cells have mitochondria that do, in fact, retain the circular DNA, the chromosome ‘M, ’ which they inherited from their prokaryotic ancestors.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most important are the many striking similarities between prokaryotes (like bacteria) and mitochondria: Membranes-Mitochondria have their own cell membranes, just like a prokaryotic cell does. DNA-Each mitochondrion has its own circular DNA genome, like a bacteria’s genome, but much smaller.