Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Distinctively, they contain their own DNA termed Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Each mammalian cell contains thousands of copies of mtDNA. When all copies within a cell are identical, the cell exists in a state known as “homoplasmy”. Sometimes, a mutation might occur in a copy of mtDNA. Because there are so many copies, the muated form can coexist with the wildtype form in a state known as “heteroplasmy”.

Author: Alan Foley (ESR2)