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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Cytoplasmic Inheritance and Nuclear Inheritance?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cytoplasmic Inheritance and Nuclear Inheritance?

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The main difference between cytoplasmic inheritance and nuclear inheritance lies in the location of the genetic material being transmitted to the offspring.

Cytoplasmic Inheritance:

  • Involves the transmission of genes present in the organelles of the cytoplasm, such as mitochondria.
  • Occurs mostly, if not exclusively, from the maternal line.
  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codes for 13 enzymes used in the mitochondrial energy-generating pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs.
  • Does not follow the Mendelian inheritance pattern.

Nuclear Inheritance:

  • Occurs due to the genes present on the chromosomes.
  • Equally contributed by both the mother and father nuclei.
  • Offspring inherit millions of genes from parents.
  • Follows the Mendelian inheritance pattern.

In summary, cytoplasmic inheritance involves the transmission of genetic material located in the cytoplasm, while nuclear inheritance involves the transmission of genetic material located in the nucleus of cells. Nuclear inheritance is contributed by both maternal and paternal sources, whereas cytoplasmic inheritance is primarily maternal.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cytoplasmic Inheritance and Nuclear Inheritance?
  • Comparative Table: Cytoplasmic Inheritance vs Nuclear Inheritance

    • Comparative Table: Cytoplasmic Inheritance vs Nuclear Inheritance

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between cytoplasmic inheritance and nuclear inheritance:

    Feature Cytoplasmic Inheritance Nuclear Inheritance
    Location of genes Genes are located in cytoplasmic organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. Genes are located on chromosomes in the nucleus.
    Inheritance pattern Non-Mendelian inheritance, where traits are transmitted from the parent to offspring through cytoplasmic means. Follows Mendelian inheritance pattern, with equal contributions from both parents.
    Maternal vs. paternal contribution Cytoplasmic inheritance is typically maternal, with only the mother's cytoplasmic genetic material being passed on to the offspring. Both maternal and paternal genes contribute to nuclear inheritance.
    Organelles involved Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the main organelles involved in cytoplasmic inheritance. The nucleus is the main organelle involved in nuclear inheritance.

    In summary, cytoplasmic inheritance is the transmission of genes from cytoplasmic organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, and is typically maternal, while nuclear inheritance occurs due to genes present on chromosomes in the nucleus and involves equal contributions from both parents.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.