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The mitochondria of human cells contain DNA - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 12 - 2018
Question 12
The mitochondria of human cells contain DNA. Women can pass mitochondrial DNA to their offspring but men cannot. The diagram shows a family tree. Identify the numbe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The mitochondria of human cells contain DNA - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 12 - 2018
Step 1
Identify the individuals inheriting mitochondrial DNA from P
Answer
In this family tree, only the female offspring can inherit mitochondrial DNA from P. Therefore, we need to count the number of females in the diagram to determine how many individuals have inherited mitochondrial DNA from P.
- The first generation has 1 female.
- The second generation consists of the children of the females from the first generation. Each female can pass on mitochondrial DNA to all of her offspring.
- Count the females in the second generation who are direct descendants of the females from the first generation.
In total, there are 4 individuals who inherited mitochondrial DNA from P.
Step 2