Mitochondrial DNA

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA, or less popularly, mDNA) is DNA which is not located in the nucleus of the cell but in the mitochondria. Mitochondria are parts of the cell that generate fuel in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which drives the varied machinery of the cell.

Genetic illness

Mutations of mitochondrial DNA can lead to a number of illnesses including exercise intolerance and Kearn-Sayre syndrome (KSS). The Kearn-Sayre syndrome is when a person loses full function of their heart, eye, and muscle movements.

Related Topics:
Exercise intolerance - Kearn-Sayre syndrome

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(See also Mitochondrial disease).

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