Assisted Reproduction Technology Update

September 9, 2005

LONDON—In news that is sure to give the right wing a coronary, researchers in the UK have been given the go-ahead to create an embyro that contains the DNA of three individuals.

For those with little training in biology or genetics, there are really two kinds of DNA: nucleic DNA and mitochondrial DNA. Every human cell has a nucleus, with DNA that is inherited from the father and the mother. But every cell has a second form of DNA, called mitochondrial DNA which is inherited soley from the mother. Thus, every child is the product of three sets of DNA — one from the father and two from the mother. The mitochondrial DNA can give rise to certain genetic diseases, including muscular dystrophy.

This research could lead to genetic combinations of three parents.

For more information: The Register

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