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 […]

Heteroplasmy

Mitochondria contain multiple copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). When all copies are identical, the mitochondria is said to exist in “homoplasmy”. Sometimes, a copy of mtDNA has a variant (e.g. a C instead of a T). When variant mtDNA co-exists with wildtype mtDNA, the mitochondrion exists in a state known as “heteroplasmy”. If the level […]