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During the copying of the DNA there is room for error much like a game of phone-call where you pass a phrase down a group of people and it was change depending on how people hear it. (not the best answer but it works)

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14y ago
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5mo ago

The high mutation rate of mitochondrial DNA is thought to be due to the lack of protective histones and repair mechanisms, as well as the close proximity to reactive oxygen species produced during respiration. This leads to an accumulation of mutations over time.

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Q: Why is mitochondrial DNA mutation rate so high?
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Related questions

Why mitochondria mutation study will isolated Genomic DNA instead of Mitochondrial DNA?

Yes,I don't know!Tell me..!


Why does the mitochondrial disease exist?

It exists because the DNA in mitochondria is duplicated without the checkpoints that nuclear DNA duplication has. Mitochondrial DNA disorders may occur spontaneously and relatively often.


Do mutations happen a lot?

Statistically speaking, the fidelity of DNA polymerases is very high and they usually make 1 mistake for every 1000000000 base pairs that they add to a growing DNA strand. However, there are many external methods of inducing mutations, most notably by chemicals and radiation. Therefore it is estimated that the genomic DNA mutation rate per generation for humans is one in 40000000 base pairs. However, human mitochondrial DNA curiously carries a much higher mutation rate per generation of about 1 in 37000 to 1 in 333000 base pairs. For the mutation rates of other organisms, follow the link below.


When was Mitochondrial DNA - journal - created?

Mitochondrial DNA - journal - was created in 1980.


Who shares your mitochondrial DNA?

Mitochondrial DNA comes from the mother, so the mother's maternal line and all her children share the same mitochondrial DNA.


Where do you get your mitochondrial DNA from?

In most organisms, including humans, the mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother.


What does mitochondrial DNA code for?

Mitochondrial DNA codes for certain proteins that are essential for the function of the mitochondria, the cell's powerhouse. It also contains genes involved in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial DNA is separate from the nuclear DNA and is passed down maternally.


Which is larger Human mitochondrial DNA or yeast mitochondrial DNA?

Yeast's is (~78kb), while human's is about 17kb


How does the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA different found in the nucleus of cells?

Mitochondrial DNA is only inherited from the mother, while nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents. Mitochondrial DNA is circular and does not undergo recombination, whereas nuclear DNA is linear and can recombine during meiosis. Mitochondrial DNA codes for a small number of genes related to energy production, while nuclear DNA contains genes that determine various traits and characteristics.


Mitochondrial DNA is replicated independently from nuclear DNA?

Yes


What is the relationship between mutation rates and generation span?

Mutation rates are generally higher in species with shorter generation spans. Short generation spans allow mutations to accumulate and spread more rapidly through populations, increasing genetic diversity. This relationship can have important implications for evolutionary processes and adaptation.


What are the chances of mutation?

The chances of mutation occurring in an organism are typically low, with estimates ranging from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1 billion cell divisions. However, the rate of mutation can be influenced by various factors such as exposure to mutagens, DNA repair mechanisms, and the specific genetic makeup of the organism.