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

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

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

Illustration of a mitochondrion labelled with parts: inner membrane, outer membrane, cristae, and matrix. Brown and blue colours used.
Mitochondrial DNA is located in the mitochondrial matrix
Diagram of a chloroplast showing structures like thylakoid, granum, stroma, ribosome, chloroplast DNA, membranes, starch granule, and lipids.
Chloroplast DNA is located in the stroma of chloroplasts

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Lára Marie McIvor

    Author: Lára Marie McIvor

    Expertise: Biology Lead

    Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

    Lucy Kirkham

    Author: Lucy Kirkham

    Expertise: Head of STEM

    Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.