Cellular and population level processes influence the rate, accumulation and observed frequency of inherited and somatic mtDNA mutations.

摘要: Mitochondria are found in all animals and have the unique feature of containing multiple copies their own small, circular DNA genome (mtDNA). The rate pattern mutation accumulation mtDNA influenced by molecular, cellular population level processes. We distinguish between inherited somatic mutations review evidence for often-made assumption that accumulate at a higher than nuclear (nDNA). conclude whole is nDNA but include caveat rates overlap considerably individual mtDNA- nDNA-encoded genes. Next, we discuss postulated causal mechanisms high both inheritance cells. Perhaps unexpectedly, resilient to many mutagens prone errors replication. then consider influence maternal inheritance, recombination selection on observed mutations. Finally, environmental influences temperature diet frequency it necessary understand processes fully interpret how they our interpretations evolution disease.