Mitochondrial disorders
A) are due to inheriting defective mitochondria from both parents.
B) are passed from father to all of his children.
C) often affect the muscular system.
D) are X-linked traits.
E) are due to mutant autosomal genes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial disorders often affect the muscular system because these disorders affect the energy-producing mitochondria in muscle cells.

Answer: E 
 Mitochondrial disorders are due to mutant autosomal genes, which means that they are caused by mutations in genes that are located on one of the autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) rather than on the X or Y sex chromosomes.

(A) is incorrect because mitochondria are inherited almost exclusively from the mother, not from both parents. 
(B) is incorrect because mitochondrial DNA is generally only passed down maternally. 
(D) is incorrect because mitochondrial disorders are not X-linked traits, as they are not caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome.

Mitochondrial Disorders