heteroplasmy
heteroplasmy The presence within a cell or organism of mitochondria with different genetic constitutions. Generally, an organism inherits its mitochondrial DNA from its mother via the egg cell, with no contribution from the male gamete, and therefore all its mitochondria are genetically identical. However, in some species there is ‘leakiness’ from the male line. For example, in mice about 1 in 1000 mitochondria originate from the male parent. Exceptionally, in some organisms (such as mussels) mitochondria are apparently inherited equally from both parents. Compare homoplasmy.
More From encyclopedia.com
gynandromorph , gynandromorph An animal that possesses both male and female characteristics because it is genetically a mosaic, i.e. some of its cells are geneticall… Cytoplasmic Inheritance , Mitochondrial Inheritance
Mitochondrial inheritance is the study of how mitochondrial genes are inherited. Mitochondria are cellular organelles that… Gametogenesis , Gametogenesis is the production of haploid sex cells (in humans, ovum and spermatozoa) that each carry one-half the genetic compliment of the parents… Cloning , A clone is a group of genetically identical cells descended from a single common ancestor. A clone can describe a group of cells or a multicellular o… Antheridium , antheridium The male sex organ or gametangium, within which male gametes are formed, in algae, fungi, bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, etc), and pteri… Zygote , Zygote
Definition
The zygote is the single cell that is formed when the sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell. The zygote divides multiple times, produc…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
heteroplasmy