Mitochondrial genes matter for survival and reproduction

Contrary to common belief, mitochondrial genes seem to matter for how well individuals survive and reproduce. These new results are reported by researchers who studied the genes of a common beetle species. Mitochondria are vital power plants of cells. They carry their own genes, which are inherited only through females, and these genes vary greatly between individuals. Scientists have shown for the first time that differences in the mitochondrial genes that individuals carry actually affect how well they survive and reproduce.

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