Genes located on mitochondrial DNA bring about

Options

A. generally show maternal inheritance
B. are always inherited from the male parent
C. show biparental inheritance like the nuclear genes
D. are not inherited

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA):**
- Mitochondrial DNA is a type of DNA located in the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells. Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents, mtDNA is inherited differently.

2. **Inheritance Pattern of Mitochondrial DNA:**
- Mitochondrial DNA is primarily inherited from the mother. This means that offspring receive their mtDNA exclusively from their maternal lineage. This is because the mitochondria in the sperm are usually destroyed after fertilization, leaving only the mitochondria from the egg.

3. **Maternal Inheritance:**
- The concept of maternal inheritance refers to the genetic transmission of traits through the maternal line. Since mtDNA is inherited from the mother, traits associated with mitochondrial genes will show maternal inheritance.

4. **Exclusion of Other Inheritance Patterns:**
- Mitochondrial DNA does not show bi-parental inheritance like nuclear genes, which are inherited from both parents. It is also incorrect to say that mtDNA is always inherited from the male parent, as this contradicts the established pattern of maternal inheritance.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the correct statement regarding genes located on mitochondrial DNA is that they generally show maternal inheritance.

**Final Answer:**
- Genes located on mitochondrial DNA bring about **maternal inheritance**.

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