Question

What's the primary reason for studying mitochondrial genomics important for humans?

a) To understand genetic diseases specific to mitochondria
b) To explore the inheritance of eye color
c) To investigate the role of mitochondria in photosynthesis
d) To understand the role of mitochondria in plant cells

Answer 1

Studying mitochondrial genomics is important for understanding genetic diseases specific to mitochondria, studying evolutionary relationships, and tracing maternal lineages.

Step-by-step explanation:

Studying mitochondrial genomics is important for humans primarily because it helps understand genetic diseases specific to mitochondria. Mitochondrial DNA mutates rapidly, making it useful for studying evolutionary relationships and tracing genealogy. In most multicellular organisms, mitochondrial DNA is passed from the mother during fertilization, allowing scientists to trace maternal lineages.