Mitochondrial DNA
Mitochondrial DNA A Story of Mothers and a Tale of Energy Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. They produce energy currency (ATP) inside the cells to perform work. It also contains a genome that ties you to your mother and her mom. We inherit half of our DNA from our mother and the other half from our father. This DNA is chromosomal DNA found inside the nucleus of cells. Outside the nucleus, mitochondria contain circular DNA which is passed down uniquely from the mother to her children regardless of their sex. The mitochondrial genome encodes several proteins required for energy production. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), can compromise the production of energy inside the cell and leads to several pathological conditions like common neurological diseases. Impairment of mtDNA packaging leads to stress that releases mtDNA to the cytoplasm. This cytosolic mtDNA is a sensor to activate a plethora of immune respon...