2006-07-19 16:46:54 · 5 answers · asked by jason k 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
More info please.
2006-07-25 19:00:50 · update #1
Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA) and they are constantly fusing / fissioning (unlike cells, or most cells) - there is a complex interaction between cellularly expressed proteins and the mitochondira, and replication errors eventually ensue, the correction system is not as good as that for cellular DNA. Look at the Nonari lab
(U Penn ?) for more details.
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2006-07-19 17:37:46 · answer #1 · answered by hallitubevolunteer1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mitochondria are like bacteria that our cells trapped long ago to do our bidding (like pass me another grape dude, you're totally slacking). Anyway, they have to be reproduced before our cells divide. Every time DNA is replicated to reproduce a cell (or a mitochondria), it is possible to have an error in the replication. In this case, the most common mutations are called "point mutations" which result when a single base is incorrectly placed.
Hope that helps.
2006-07-19 23:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by Loulabelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As I mentioned in your earlier question, they're close to the cell's furnace. Therefore a reactive oxygen radical(like a spark from the furnace) can get out and damage the mito's DNA.
2006-07-19 23:51:59 · answer #3 · answered by lordashoka 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Errors in genetic replication. These can be caused by pure chance or outside influence such as radiation.
2006-07-20 01:15:17 · answer #4 · answered by marsroxx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the cells genetic recombination messes up
2006-07-19 23:50:53 · answer #5 · answered by Pl4yb0at!ng $up3r $t4r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋