Question

which best describes mitochondrial dna (mtdna)?
mitochondrial dna is the same as nuclear dna.
mitochondrial dna is inherited through the father.
mitochondrial dna can be traced for generations.
mitochondrial dna requires large amounts for testing.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA differ in structure, function, and inheritance, so they are not the same.
• Option 2: mtDNA is inherited from the mother, not the father.
• Option 3: mtDNA is passed down maternally and can be traced through many generations as it mutates slowly and is conserved in maternal lineages.
• Option 4: mtDNA testing requires very small amounts of DNA due to its high copy number in cells.

Answer:

C. Mitochondrial DNA can be traced for generations.