mtDNA heteroplasmy

Heteroplasmy in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) refers to the presence of more than one type of mitochondrial DNA within a single cell or individual. Since mitochondria are the energy-producing structures in cells, and each cell contains many mitochondria, sometimes some mitochondria carry genetic differences, while others do not. This mixture of different mitochondrial DNA versions can influence how efficiently energy is produced and may impact health, especially in certain diseases or aging processes. Essentially, heteroplasmy reflects genetic diversity within the energy factories inside our cells.