Question

What experimental technique can couples like David's mother and father use to have children with healthy mitochondria?

1) In vitro fertilization (IVF) with mitochondrial replacement therapy
2) Gene editing to repair mitochondrial DNA
3) Using donor eggs with healthy mitochondria
4) Administering mitochondrial supplements to the mother during pregnancy

Answer 1

Couples seeking to have children with healthy mitochondria can use in vitro fertilization with mitochondrial replacement therapy or use donor eggs with healthy mitochondria to ensure the offspring inherits healthy mitochondrial DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Techniques for Healthy Mitochondria in Children

Options available for couples like David's mother and father to have children with healthy mitochondria include several assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The experimental technique that can be used is in vitro fertilization (IVF) with mitochondrial replacement therapy. This procedure involves replacing the mitochondrial DNA in an egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria from a donor to prevent mitochondrial diseases. Another option is using donor eggs with healthy mitochondria, which ensures that the child inherits mitochondria without the genetic issues present in the mother's egg cells.

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally, and it can reveal a lot about human genealogy due to its uniqueness from nuclear DNA. It is important to note that while options like administering mitochondrial supplements might seem plausible, they are not scientifically established methods for ensuring healthy mitochondrial inheritance in children.