Question

The mitochondria within eukaryotic cells have their own genomes. Imagine that a mutation arises on the mitochondrial genome and, at the time of cytokinesis of the host cell, 10% of the mitochondria in that cell have that mutation. In the two daughter cells, what percentage of the mitochondria will possess that mutation? A. Although the cytoplasm containing the mitochondria will be equally divided between the two cells, there is no precise mechanism for ensuring that the organelles are equally divided.B. One cannot accurately predict what the percentages will be in each cell.C. 50% eachD. A and B onlyE. None of the above

Answer 1

C) A and B only  is the right option.

Explanation:

During the process of cell division as mitosis or meiosis, the random segregation of mitochondria takes place in the resulting daughter cells

It is found that when cell divides, mitochondria present on the opposite side of the cell plate will have daughter cells that are different from the progenitor cell with respect to  mitochondria. Due to this reason, it is difficult to predict the percentage of mitochondrial mutation passed on.

Also, it is proved that only maternal cells are capable of passing the mitochondrial DNA.