Mitochondrial Inheritance Calculator

Mitochondrial inheritance—also called maternal inheritance—refers to genes found in the mitochondria that are passed exclusively from mother to offspring. Unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA does not follow Mendelian inheritance, so it’s crucial to understand how traits like mitochondrial diseases are passed on. Our Mitochondrial Inheritance Calculator helps you visualize and predict inheritance patterns for these unique traits. Easiest Punnett square calculator for your biology homework

Since mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother, our calculator allows you to input the mother’s mitochondrial trait status (affected or unaffected). The father’s status is irrelevant since he does not contribute mitochondrial DNA. Once you select the mother’s status, click Calculate to see the inheritance pattern for all children.

• Offspring outcomes: All children of an affected mother inherit the trait.
• Phenotype results: Visual explanation of how mitochondrial traits are passed on.
• No paternal contribution: Father’s status does not affect the results.

Mitochondrial inheritance is key to understanding many genetic disorders and energy-related diseases. Our calculator is essential for:

• Students: Learning how mitochondrial traits differ from nuclear genes.
• Teachers: Demonstrating non-Mendelian inheritance patterns.
• Families: Understanding risks of inherited mitochondrial disorders.

• Mother is affected ➡️ All children inherit the trait.
• Mother is unaffected ➡️ None of the children inherit the trait.

This pattern is consistent across generations, illustrating the strictly maternal transmission of mitochondrial DNA.

1. Select the mother’s mitochondrial trait status (affected or unaffected).
2. Click Calculate to see results.
3. View a clear diagram showing how all children inherit or don’t inherit the trait.
4. Download or copy the results for study or reports.

1. Maternal Inheritance Only
   Mitochondrial DNA is inherited solely from the mother because the egg cell contains mitochondria while sperm cells contribute only nuclear DNA.
2. Non-Mendelian Inheritance
   This inheritance pattern does not follow classic Mendelian dominant or recessive rules—it’s strictly maternal.
3. Real-World Relevance
   Conditions like Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial myopathy are caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA.

Do fathers contribute mitochondrial DNA?

No. Only mothers pass on mitochondrial DNA, making this inheritance maternal-only.

Can both sons and daughters inherit mitochondrial traits?

Yes! Both genders inherit mitochondrial traits, but only daughters can pass them on.

Does this calculator work for nuclear DNA?

No, it’s specifically designed for mitochondrial inheritance. Use our Punnett Square Calculator for nuclear DNA traits.

• Co-Dominance
• Incomplete Dominance
• Blood Type Inheritance Calculator
• Eye Color Punnett Square Calculator

Our Mitochondrial Inheritance Calculator makes learning genetics easy. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just curious about inheritance, this tool is the perfect guide to understanding how mitochondrial traits are passed through generations.