BIOS 251 Week 3 Case Study Cells – Graded An A+

BIOS 251 Week 3 Case Study Cells – Graded An A+ Week 3 Case Study: The Cell 1. Brian indicates that the mutation is in a gene found in the mitochondrial DNA. What does Brian mean by that and why did he signify mitochondrial DNA? There is a certain type of DNA inside the mitochondria. This DNA is somewhat different to the DNA found in the nucleus, is small and circular and comprises 37 genes. Mitochondrial DNA encodes different proteins that are specific for the mitochondria and it is very important for many of the pathways that produce energy within the mitochondria. (Gahl, n.d.) 2. What is the main function of the mitochondria within the cells? 3. Describe the composition of the mitochondrial membrane and compare that with the composition of a eukaryotic cell membrane. What are the functions of cell membranes? 4. Although it is unclear how defects in the mitochondria can cause cell death in the optic nerve, what would be your hypothesis on how this can happen knowing the function of the mitochondria within the cell? References Gahl, W. (n.d.). Mitochondrial DNA. G. Retrieved January 23, 2022, from %20DNA%20is%20the%20small,passed%20from%20mother%20to%20offspring. Saladin, K. S., Gan, C. A., & Cushman, H. N. (2021). Chapter 2/The Chemistry of life. In Anatomy & Physiology: The unity of form and function (pp. 40–73). essay, McGraw-Hill Education.