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 electron transport chain is encoded by 2 genomes, the chromosomal and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes. Mitochondrial DNA 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.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research