Question

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA can answer interesting and important questions. For which of the questions would analyzing mitochondrial DNA be futile?

Are you my father?
I have poor muscle function, is there something wrong with my ability to make lots of ATP?
From biological samplings at a crime scene, can we keep this person as our primary suspect?
Are you my long-lost brother?
Which is more closely related to the great white shark, the tiger shark or the hammerhead shark?

Answer 1

The correct option would be are you my father.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mitochondria of a cell is known to produce its own DNA and this DNA can also code for proteins. However, the mitochondrial DNA is only known to be transferred from the mother of a person. A person does not inherit mitochondrial DNA from his/her father. Hence, the analysis of the mitochondrial DNA has nothing to do with the testing for the father of a person.

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of a cell where the process of cellular respiration occurs.