Research Paper On Mitochondria

The mitochondria is a double membrane-bound organelle located eukaryotic organism, in cells. It is inherited maternally meaning the offspring only receive their mitochondria from their mother (Gale Group Inc, 2016). Mitochondria are often known as the powerhouse of the cells as they generate the energy for the cells to do their job (Newcastle University, 2016). If a female was to have this mitochondrial disease, all her children will inherit it as the females mitochondria is the only one inherited. This is a result of the fathers mitochondrial DNA being destroyed during the fertilisation. The mitochondria creates energy that powers more than 90% of the human body (United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 2012). Although for example red blood
It is an inherited chronic illness which can be fatal for babies. It can also happen in the growth of a child where there is a mutation within the proteins. There is a possible treatment where a third party donor allows their DNA to be implemented within a baby with this disease, however, this process is deemed illegal as the thought of having 3 separate peoples DNA in one person seems to be taboo (Klein, 2015). This manipulation is very controversial as it could result in genetic alteration that can be passed on to subsequent generations. This form of therapy is has been approved in the United Kingdom and is currently a major topic in the world. This essay will not only prove why mitochondrial manipulation should be allowed but the relevance of the treatment.
Although manipulation of the mitochondria may seem like 3 people’s genes are required, there is already a procedure which can be used for mitochondrial disease. The manipulation of ones organelles in order to prevent a fatal disease which decreases the energy rate has 2 different ways of beating the disease. One is a maternal spindle transfer which involves a separate females unfertilised eggs (oocytes), and the other is a pronuclear transfer which utilises
There is however symptom-based treatments which provide the patient with sufficient energy to carry on with their day. This treatments are not conclusive, as the disease continues to be present within the patient. The main source of treatment is a prescription of vitamins to fill the energy that the mitochondrial disease takes away. Another problem that occurs with these vitamins is that doctors are very sceptical with the amount of vitamins one should take as too much vitamins can lead to nausea and diarrhea and with different people and their different body’s the amount of vitamins one should take is inconclusive. With every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by the age 10, and each year, 1000 to 4000 children are born with a mitochondrial disease in the US alone (United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 2012). These statistics show that a conclusive treatment must be in practice or at least in research as it can extinguish the mitochondrial disease from existence. This is why genetic manipulation using 3 or more peoples DNA must be in