Definition
noun
An inheritance pattern that results from the expression of mitochondrial DNA.
Supplement
This form of inheritance does not follow the Mendelian pattern since it involves mitochondrial genome expression that does not follow Mendelian rule. Many of the known cases of mitochondrial diseases that arise from faulty mitochondrial DNA are of maternal origin although there is a recent case reported that involves paternal mitochondrial DNA.
See also:
- maternal inheritance
- paternal inheritance
- non-Mendelian inheritance
