The human egg has about 2000 mtDNA,but somatic cells have a range of hundreds to thousands.Which of the following is most likely to account for the difference?
A)Heteroplastic cells can give rise to homoplastic cells.
B)Large mitochondria in oocytes can divide into many smaller mitochondria,and smaller mitochondria can fuse.
C)Specific tissue types replicate organelle DNA far more frequently than they do nuclear DNA.
D)Mutant mitochondria replicate at different frequencies than do wild type.
E)Haploid organelle genomes can replicate to form diploid or polyploidy genomes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The large size of mitochondria in oocytes and their ability to divide into many smaller mitochondria and fuse could explain why human eggs have about 2000 mtDNA while somatic cells have a range of hundreds to thousands. This process may not be as efficient in somatic cells, resulting in a lower mtDNA count. The other choices do not provide a clear explanation for the observed difference in mtDNA count.

The Human Egg Has About 2000 MtDNA,but Somatic Cells Have