[Campbell Biology P.39] Which of the following statements best describes the inheritance pa... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements best describes the inheritance pattern of organelle genes, such as mitochondrial DNA, in humans?

  • A: They follow standard Mendelian inheritance patterns, with genes located on nuclear chromosomes.
  • B: They are primarily inherited from the father, as sperm contribute most of the cytoplasm to the zygote.
  • C: They are exclusively inherited from the mother, passed down through the egg's cytoplasm.
  • D: They are equally inherited from both parents through a combination of nuclear and cytoplasmic contributions.

Explanation

Organelle genes, such as those found in mitochondria, are typically inherited maternally because the egg contributes the vast majority of cytoplasm, including mitochondria, to the zygote, while sperm contribute little to no cytoplasm. This results in a non-Mendelian, maternal pattern of inheritance.