Final answer:
Traits encoded by mitochondrial DNA exhibit cytoplasmic inheritance, as mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and is distinct from nuclear DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traits encoded by genes located on mitochondrial DNA exhibit cytoplasmic inheritance. Mitochondria, which are inherited from the mother, contain their own DNA. This maternal inheritance means that the traits dictated by mitochondrial DNA are passed from mother to offspring, making it useful for tracing genealogy. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA is distinct from nuclear chromosomal DNA, which is found in the cell's nucleus.
For example, enzymes in glycolysis and fermentation pathways are encoded by nuclear genes and translated in the cytoplasm, while mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) proteins are encoded by mitochondrial genes, and translated within the organelle itself.