Final answer:
Results can exclude the possibility of a trait being encoded by a mitochondrial gene by demonstrating patterns of inheritance that do not align with maternal inheritance or non-Mendelian inheritance. These patterns of inheritance can be observed through studies of inheritance patterns and analysis of genetic phenotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Results can exclude the possibility that a trait is encoded by a mitochondrial gene by demonstrating patterns of inheritance that do not align with maternal inheritance. For example, if a trait is inherited in a Mendelian pattern, with equal contribution from both parents, it would not be encoded solely by mitochondrial DNA.
Additionally, if the trait displays non-Mendelian inheritance, such as incomplete dominance or codominance, it indicates that it is not solely controlled by mitochondrial genes. Therefore, the results of inheritance pattern studies and analysis of genetic phenotypes can provide evidence to exclude the possibility of mitochondrial gene encoding for a trait.