Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a human disease that exhibits cytoplasmic inheritance. It is characterized by rapid loss of vision in both eyes, resulting from the death of cells in the optic nerve. A teenager loses vision in both eyes and is later diagnosed with LHON. How did this individual MOST likely inherit the mutant DNA responsible for this condition?
A) a nuclear gene from the father
B) a nuclear gene from the mother
C) a mitochondrial gene from the father
D) a mitochondrial gene from the mother
E) Any of these answers is possible.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

LHON is a mitochondrial disorder, and mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mother, so the mutant DNA responsible for LHON is most likely inherited from the mother.

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) Is a Human Disease That