Question

Why it is that we inherit mitochondrial DNA ONLY from our mothers?

Answer 1

In sexual reproduction, mitochondria are normally inherited exclusively from the mother; the mitochondria in mammalian sperm are usually destroyed by the egg cell after fertilization.

Answer 2

In se*ual reproduction, mitochondria are normally inherited exclusively from the mother; the mitochondria in mammalian sperm are usually destroyed by the egg cell after fertilization. ... The fact that mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited enables genealogical researchers to trace maternal lineage far back in time.