Cytoplasmic Inheritance

Cytoplasmic inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material found outside the nucleus, primarily within the cytoplasm of a cell. This includes DNA from mitochondria and chloroplasts, which parents pass to their offspring through the cytoplasm of the egg or zygote. Unlike nuclear DNA, which comes from both parents, cytoplasmic DNA typically comes solely from the mother. This means traits linked to these genes can show different inheritance patterns, affecting characteristics like energy production in plants and animals. It highlights the complexity of genetics beyond just the chromosomes in the nucleus.