Why mitochondrial DNA is only inherited from mothers?

The main reason behind the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) only from mothers is that in fathers’ sperm, mitochondria is destroyed by the eggs after fertilization. MtDNA is found in the sperm’s tail and tail is lost during the fertilization. Because of all this, mtDNA is used for finding ancestry results in the mother’s side of the family.

The main aspect of a mitochondrial DNA is that 100,000 of mtDNA are found in human eggs whereas sperms contain 100 mitochondrial DNA copy which is very less as compare to eggs mtDNA. Though, in a Ancestry DNA testing, mtDNA is considered best way to calculate ancestries because of changing surnames of mothers over a period of time.

There are some mitochondrial diseases exist which are the result of damaged mitochondria which can cause problems to muscles, brain and nerves. In many cases mutant mtDNA transfers from mother to offspring. These diseases can affect the whole family generations. By testing mtDNA in advance, we can save lives of upcoming children.

Facednatest Mitochondrial DNA testing Fort Worth experts can help you in analysis of mtDNA and also can aware you about any possible mitochondrial disease. Here, you can also get other affordable services like Paternity Testing, Immigrations DNA Testing, Prenatal testing, Face Recognition & Forensics.