subject: Mitochondrial DNA Mutations [print this page] Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Mitochondrial DNA Mutations
Mitochondrial DNA is found in the cytoplasm of cells, instead of the nucleus like other forms of DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from mother to child, so it allows insight into maternity issues. This is unlike more popularized DNA uses, which generally identifies paternal relationships. Many people use Mitochondrial DNA information for ancestry research. Many people don't realize, however, that Mitochondrial DNA Mutations cause a number of problems. Mitochondrial DNA Mutations are the cause for a plethora of inherited diseases, so testing this type of DNA early in life is becoming more and more common.
As previously stated, Mitochondrial DNA Mutations can lead to many inherited diseases, but they also contribute greatly to health issues related to aging. It is accepted that with aging comes health problems, but it is not common knowledge that such health problems are a result of specific Mitochondrial DNA Muatations. These mutations are a relatively new discovery, as the size of the Mitochondrial genome is much smaller than the nuclear genome, which is what has traditionally been studied and researched. It is challenging for scientists to study Mitochondrial DNA because of the small size, so there is less information about it than about nuclear DNA.
It has been discovered that Mitochondrial DNA Mutations can contribute to certain cancers, like breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Moreover, it has even been suggested that Mitochondrial DNA Mutations can lead to or contribute to heart disease, muscle disease, and Alzheimer's disease. There are often breakthroughs in this type of science, so it is possible that more links will be discovered in the future. Mitochondrial DNA is difficult to study, and the field is not extensive. As such, there is not much additional knowledge.
At present, scientists are not able to use information about Mitochondrial DNA Mutations for treatment. Finding these mutations are useful for prevention and diagnosis, but have not proven valuable in curing diseases. There are scientists working to extrapolate more information and discover how to prevent certain Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in order to prevent certain diseases, or how to use Mitochondrial DNA information to cure certain diseases. However, this is an extremely controversial issue, especially when considering altering the natural DNA of a person. Only time will tell where this science brings us.
There are tests that look at Mitochondrial DNA Mutations, and many people are electing to undergo such testing. The information obtained in this testing can tell a person if they have certain mutations, which will allow them to be better informed about their risks for certain inherited diseases. However, it is possible that a person who is tested will have certain Mitochondrial DNA Mutations but will not be afflicted with the expected disease. Many people find that arming themselves with knowledge is a powerful weapon, and elect to undergo testing just to have the information. If they have a mutation that may lead to a certain type of cancer, for example, they can take additional precautionary steps that will either allow them to prevent the disease or obtain an early diagnosis, perhaps stopping the disease in its tracks.
