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Why is there so much focus on the MtDNA?
"Everyone carries two types of DNA: nuclear DNA, found in the nucleus of each body cell, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), found in the mitochondria located in the cell's cytoplasm outside the nucleus. Nuclear DNA codes for most proteins made by the cell and is responsible for the inheritance of physical traits, such as hair color or whether a person has dimples, as well as inherited genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or Tay-Sachs disease. Mitochondrial DNA codes for its own proteins and for ribosomal and transfer RNAs." NOVA Online
Is there a poster out there who considers sickle cell anemia and Tay-sachs diseases irrevelant or inconsequential?
My mother does not carry the sickle cell gene but I do, therefore it should be clear to all that the genetic contribution of the father is just as important as the mother.
By the way Neanderthals also carried the gene that produces red hair; know any Africans with genetically inherited red haired?
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