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Multiple Choice
Which type of offspring inherit all their mitochondrial DNA from their mother and none from their father?
A
Fungal offspring
B
Mammalian offspring
C
Plant offspring
D
Bacterial offspring
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that mitochondria are organelles within cells that have their own DNA, separate from the nuclear DNA.
Recognize that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited maternally, meaning it is passed down from the mother to the offspring.
Consider the types of organisms listed: mammals, fungi, plants, and bacteria.
Recall that in mammals, the egg cell contributes the majority of the cytoplasm, including mitochondria, to the zygote, while the sperm contributes very little cytoplasm.
Conclude that mammalian offspring inherit all their mitochondrial DNA from their mother, as the sperm's mitochondria are typically not involved in fertilization.