Mitochondrial diseases ________.
A) are very rare; only a couple of people are diagnosed per year
B) are caused only by spontaneous mitochondrial DNA mutations
C) cannot be inherited from the mother
D) None of the above is true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial diseases are not very rare and can be caused by both spontaneous mutations and inherited mutations in mitochondrial DNA. In fact, 1 in every 4,300 individuals in the United States is affected by a mitochondrial disease. Additionally, mitochondrial diseases are always inherited from the mother because mitochondrial DNA is passed down from the mother's egg.

Mitochondrial Diseases ________