Question

Mitochondrial mutation in yeast biology discussion

Answer 1

Mitochondria are cytoplasmic organelles containing their own DNA and some enzymes that catalyse the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are not autonomous bodies because they require their own genes and nuclear genes to function normally.

The role of mitochondria in cytoplasmic inheritance was first understood when Ephrussi and his colleagues (1955) studied petite mutants (petite meaning small) in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). When a cell divides, approximately equal numbers of mitochondria pass into daughter cells. They can originate from pre-existing mitochondria, and can probably divide transversely.