Why Does the DNA in Mitochondria Exhibit About 10 Times

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The Answer is Because of its proximity to electron-transport processes,which lead to the release of mutagenic oxygen radicals,mtDNA is thought to come under a much greater level of attack than nuclear DNA.In addition,nuclear DNA is better protected from persistent damage by the presence of a greater variety of DNA repair systems.Thus,damage inflicted upon nuclear DNA can be repaired,while damage to mitochondrial DNA cannot be repaired as effectively.These factors explain the greater than 10-fold higher mutation rate of mtDNA.Thus,mutations are particularly likely to accumulate in the mitochondria of cells that remain in the body for long periods of time (nerves and muscle tissue).The degenerative changes in mitochondrial functions are thought to contribute to a number of common neurological diseases with adult-onset,most notably Parkinson's disease (PD).

Why Does the DNA in Mitochondria Exhibit About 10 Times

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