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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is accurate about extranuclear inheritance?
A
Extranuclear inheritance involves genes located in the mitochondria and chloroplasts.
B
Extranuclear inheritance follows Mendel's laws of inheritance.
C
Extranuclear inheritance is transmitted through the paternal line.
D
Extranuclear inheritance is only observed in prokaryotic organisms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of extranuclear inheritance: Extranuclear inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material that is not found within the nucleus of a cell. This typically involves genes located in organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Recognize the location of extranuclear genes: Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA, which is separate from the nuclear DNA. These organelles are involved in extranuclear inheritance.
Consider Mendel's laws of inheritance: Mendel's laws primarily apply to nuclear genes, which are inherited according to specific patterns involving dominant and recessive alleles. Extranuclear inheritance does not follow these laws because it involves organelle DNA.
Evaluate the transmission line: Extranuclear inheritance is often maternal, meaning it is transmitted through the maternal line. This is because the egg cell contributes most of the cytoplasm, including organelles, to the zygote.
Identify the organisms involved: Extranuclear inheritance is observed in eukaryotic organisms, as they possess mitochondria and chloroplasts. Prokaryotic organisms do not have these organelles, so extranuclear inheritance is not applicable to them.