What defines uniparental inheritance?

Uniparental inheritance refers specifically to the transmission of genetic material from only one parent to the offspring. In many organisms, particularly in the context of mitochondrial DNA, this means that traits are passed down exclusively through the maternal line. This form of inheritance is significant because it typically results in offspring receiving all of their mitochondria (and thus the associated traits) from the mother, while the paternal contributions do not contribute to the mitochondrial genome.

This concept is particularly important in studying certain genetic diseases that are linked to mitochondrial DNA. As a result, understanding uniparental inheritance is crucial in genetics, biology, and medicine because it can help explain patterns of inheritance and the origins of certain genetic traits or disorders.