There are several differences between mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA.
Basis of differentiation | Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) | Nuclear DNA (nDNA |
Definition | Refers to DNA located in the mitochondria of the cell | Refers to DNA located in the nucleus of the cell |
Proportion of the cell’s total genetic composition | Makes up 0.25% of the cell’s total genetic composition in animal cells | Makes up 99.75% of the cell’s total genetic composition in animal cells |
Location and enclosure | Found freely floating in the mitochondrial matrix and is not enclosed by the nuclear membrane | Found in the nuclear matrix, enclosed by the nucleus and fixed to the nuclear membrane |
Number of chromosomes | Consists of one chromosome | Consists of multiple chromosomes |
Genome structure and composition | Circular, closed structure made up of 16,569 DNA base pairs | Linear, open ended structure made up of 3.3 billion DNA base pairs |
Inheritance and recombination | Is haploid – Chromosome is inherited from the mother to the offspring without undergoing genetic recombination | Is diploid – Chromosomes are inherited equally from both parents and undergo genetic recombination while transferring to the offspring |
Gene encoding | Contains 37 genes that encode 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs | Contains 20,000-25,000 genes coding for all the proteins necessary for its function, which also includes mitochondrial genes |
Translation process | Not all codons follow the universal codon pattern when they are translated into proteins | All codons follow the universal codon pattern when they are translated into proteins |
Transcription process | Gene transcription is polycistronic – the mRNA formed has sequences that code for multiple proteins | Gene transcription is monocistronic – the mRNA formed has sequences coding for only a single protein |
Mutation rate | Has a higher mutation rate | Has a lower mutation rate that’s less than 0.3% |