The role of mitochondrial DNA copy number, variants and haplotypes in farm animal developmental outcome

The vast majority of cellular energy is generated through the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place in the electron transfer chain in the mitochondria. The ETC is encoded by two genomes, the chromosomal and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes. MtDNA is associated with a number of traits, which include tolerance to heat, growth and physical performance, meat and milk quality and fertility. Mitochondrial genomes can be clustered into groups known as mtDNA haplotypes. MtDNA haplotypes are a potential genetic source for manipulating phenotypes in farm animals.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research