Question

Select all that apply. Identify the true statements regarding mitochondrial DNA. a) All mitochondrial proteins are encoded by mitochondrial genes. b) Mitochondrial DNA contains only coding regions. c) Most mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes. d) Mitochondrial DNA contains both coding and noncoding regions. e) Human mtDNA carries relatively few genes.

Answer 1

The true statements are;

• Most mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes.
• Mitochondrial DNA contains both coding and noncoding regions.
• Human mtDNA carries relatively few genes.

What is mitochondrial DNA?

Because it has both coding and noncoding regions, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is distinct from other DNA. Although it does encode some of the required proteins for oxidative phosphorylation, nuclear genes encode the majority of the proteins found in mitochondria. The cooperative interaction between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes is shown by this dual origin.

Compared to nuclear DNA, human mtDNA does include a very small number of genes, most of which encode proteins needed for energy synthesis as well as some RNA molecules. Thus, an understanding of the interplay between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes is essential to an understanding of cellular energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.