In this video - Understanding Mitochondrial DNA: Structure, Function, and Disease - I look at the mitochondria's circular DNA that contains 37 genes. I discuss how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differs from nuclear DNA and can exhibit either homoplasmy or heteroplasmy. I then discuss how mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited and not synchronised with cell division, leading to unique genetic traits and potential mitochondrial diseases that predominantly affect high-energy tissues. I wrap up by introducing the idea of how mitochondrial diseases can be treated using "three-parent babies" by replacing the nucleus of a donor egg with one from a mother with mitochondrial disease, effectively substituting the mutated mitochondria.
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