Question

Why is mitochondrial DNA “hypervariable”?

Why is mitochondrial DNA “hypervariable”?

Homework Answers

Answer #1

Hypervariable sites in human mtDNA are readily identified in evolutionary studies and are usually assumed to represent mutational hotspots. Recently, an alternative hypothesis was proposed that holds that hypervariable sites may instead reflect ancient mtDNA mutations that have been “shuffled” among different lineages via recombination. These hypotheses can be tested by examining the evolutionary rates for sites at which new mtDNA mutations are observed; if hypervariable sites are mutational hotspots, then newly arisen mtDNA mutations should occur preferentially at hypervariable sites. Results of this study show that both germline and somatic mtDNA mutations occur preferentially at hypervariable sites, which supports the view that hypervariable sites are indeed mutational hotspots.

Know the answer?
Your Answer:

Post as a guest

Your Name:

What's your source?

Earn Coins

Coins can be redeemed for fabulous gifts.

Not the answer you're looking for?
Ask your own homework help question
Similar Questions
Why is mitochondrial DNA an appropriate choice of molecular tools?
Why is mitochondrial DNA an appropriate choice of molecular tools?
1. Explain why mitochondrial dysfunction can be caused both by mutations in nuclear DNA and by...
1. Explain why mitochondrial dysfunction can be caused both by mutations in nuclear DNA and by mutations in mitochondrial DNA. 2. Explain the reasons why mitochondrial DNA is prone to mutations (which step of the electron transport chain is the most "dangerous" to DNA?) 3. Describe what is meant by heteroplasmy discussing how it relates to the phenotypic manifestation of a mitochondrial disease 4. Provide examples of the types of tissues/cells that are most likely to be affected by mitochondrial...
2. Mitochondrial diseases are often caused by mutation in mitochondrial DNA that makes mitochondria dysfunctional. Knowing...
2. Mitochondrial diseases are often caused by mutation in mitochondrial DNA that makes mitochondria dysfunctional. Knowing the function of mitochondria, how would this affect the functions of the cells? _________________________________________________________________________ Even though mitochondria are found in most body cells (except red blood cells), mitochondrial diseases are considered more severe when defective mitochondria are present in the muscles or the brain. Why? ___________________________________________________
What factors make mitochondrial DNA particularly useful for determining ancestory.
What factors make mitochondrial DNA particularly useful for determining ancestory.
How can phylogenetic relationship estimates differ when using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA? What are some...
How can phylogenetic relationship estimates differ when using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA? What are some of the main drivers causing these differences?
Mitochondrial DNA is only passed down by the mother. Group of answer choices. True or False
Mitochondrial DNA is only passed down by the mother. Group of answer choices. True or False
Errors in mitochondrial DNA are likely to cause genetic disorders associated with ________. a. oxidative phosphorylation...
Errors in mitochondrial DNA are likely to cause genetic disorders associated with ________. a. oxidative phosphorylation b. glycolysis c. gametogenesis d. nondisjunction
what will the feature of mitochondrial dna will contribute to intra-family phenotypic variability in mitochondria disorders......
what will the feature of mitochondrial dna will contribute to intra-family phenotypic variability in mitochondria disorders... lack of recombination threshold effect of heteroplasmy. strict maternal inheritance low mutation rate relative to nuclear dna imprinting
Molecular dating using mitochondrial DNA sequence usually results in an older divergence estimate compared with dating...
Molecular dating using mitochondrial DNA sequence usually results in an older divergence estimate compared with dating using nuclear DNA sequence. What does this tell us about the evolutionary rate of each type of DNA sequence? What does the rate have to do with the age estimate of the clock?
Mitochondrial DNA is important for tracing the origins of humans because a) It shows how each...
Mitochondrial DNA is important for tracing the origins of humans because a) It shows how each human group was related to other groups b) It is only found in humans c) No evidence of it mutating d) It follows the female line, remaining relatively unchanged