Describe the pattern of inheritance that is most likely associated with a mutation in the MT-ND5 gene. Explain why individuals are not typically heterozygous with respect to mitochondrial genes.

The MT-ND5 gene is a gene of the mitochondrial genome that provides instructions for synthesizing a protein called NADH dehydrogenase 5, which is part of the complex I (the first enzyme of the respiratory chain). In most multicellular organisms, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited from the mother (i.e., maternally inherited), whereas nuclear DNA (i.e., nuclear genome) is inherited equally from both parents. For example, mitochondria in human sperm are usually destroyed after fertilization. In consequence, mitochondrial mutations are transmitted by maternal inheritance, and individuals, therefore, cannot be heterozygous for mitochondrial genes.

okpalawalter8 okpalawalter8 · Answer 2 · 2022-01-07T14:55:19+01:00

The pattern of inheritance that is most likely associated with a mutation in the MT-ND5 gene is

MT-ND5 is a mitochondrial genome coded gene responsible for the protein NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain V protein (ND5). ND5 is a sub-unit od NADH dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial protein. The mutant MT-ND5 will be transferred to the progeny via maternal mitochodral mtDNA.

Individuals are not typically heterozygous with respect to mitochondrial genes because

Heterozygousity of alleles of a particular gene arises due to contribution of both maternal and paternal genes. This is what happens for nuclear chromosomes. Mitochondria is an organelle that contains its independent genome. Only maternal mitochondria gets selected and thus are successfully transferred to the next generation post fertilization.

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