Mitochondria & Chloroplast DNA (AQA A Level Biology): Revision Note

Mitochondria & chloroplast DNA

• The mitochondria and chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells contain DNA; this DNA is referred to as either:

  • mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

  • chloroplast DNA (cpDNA)

• The DNA found in mitochondria and chloroplasts is similar to the DNA of prokaryotes, in that it is:

  • short,

  • circular and

  • not associated with protein

• Mitochondrial DNA is located in the matrix of mitochondria, and chloroplast DNA is in the stroma