The genes you don't get from your parents (but can't live without) - Devin Shuman
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
Mitochondria are essential for converting food into energy for cell survival, with variations in genes across species, unique inheritance from only one parent, and replication independent from cells. Microbes are even losing their mitochondria, showcasing the importance of these organelles in energy production.
Insights
- Mitochondria are vital cellular components that generate energy through ATP production and have their own distinct DNA, crucial for cell survival and function.
- The inheritance of mitochondrial DNA is uniparental, predominantly passed down maternally, contributing to genetic and environmental variations in mitochondrial DNA composition within an organism.
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Recent questions
How do mitochondria produce energy for cells?
Mitochondria convert food and oxygen into ATP.
How many genes do mitochondria typically have in mammals?
Mammals usually have 37 genes in their mitochondria.
What is the inheritance pattern of mitochondrial DNA?
Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from the mother.
How do mitochondria replicate within cells?
Mitochondria replicate independently from cells.
How do genetics and the environment influence mitochondrial DNA?
Mitochondrial DNA variations are influenced by genetics and the environment.
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Summary
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Mitochondria: Essential Energy Converters with Unique DNA
- Mitochondria, a second set of genes inside our cells, play a crucial role in converting food and oxygen into energy for our cells to use, known as ATP. They have their own DNA and are essential for cell survival.
- Mitochondria vary across species in terms of the number of genes they possess, with mammals typically having 37 genes, plants like cucumbers having up to 65 genes, and some fungi having only 1 gene. Some microbes are even losing their mitochondria entirely.
- Mitochondria have a unique inheritance pattern, with mitochondrial DNA being passed down from only one parent, usually the mother. They replicate independently from our cells, leading to variations in mitochondrial DNA throughout our bodies, influenced by both genetics and environment.
