๐Ÿงฌap biology review

Maternal inheritance

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The transmission of traits through the female parent only, typically because organellar DNA (mitochondrial or chloroplast) is inherited exclusively or predominantly from the egg or ovule.

AP course connection

Topic 5.4: 5.4 Non-Mendelian Genetics

Unit 5

"Maternal inheritance" also found in: