Question:

All of the following are true regarding mitochondrial DNA, EXCEPT?

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Most mitochondrial proteins are nuclear-encoded and imported from the cytosol.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Double stranded
  • Inherited from mother
  • High mutation rate
  • All respiratory proteins are synthesized within the mitochondria itself
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is organized as a circular, covalently closed, double-stranded molecule, so option (a) is true.
Step 2: In sexual reproduction mitochondria are inherited almost exclusively from the mother, because paternal mitochondria in sperm are usually destroyed by the egg after fertilization. So option (b) is true.
Step 3: mtDNA has a high mutation rate (limited repair, exposure to reactive oxygen species), causing disorders such as Kearns-Sayre syndrome. So option (c) is true.
Step 4: mtDNA encodes only a small set of proteins. Most respiratory chain and mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear DNA, synthesized in the cytosol, and imported into the mitochondria. Therefore saying all respiratory proteins are made within the mitochondria is false, making option (d) the EXCEPT answer.
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