What is true about mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a type of genetic material that is found in the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures within our cells. The unique feature of mtDNA inheritance is that it is passed down exclusively from the mother to her offspring. During fertilization, the sperm contributes nuclear DNA to the zygote, but the mitochondria, along with their DNA, from the sperm are typically eliminated and do not contribute to the mtDNA of the offspring. Consequently, all mitochondria in the progeny come from the egg, leading to maternal inheritance. This is why the answer indicating that mtDNA is inherited exclusively from the mother is correct. This pattern of inheritance can have implications for genetic studies, evolutionary biology, and understanding maternal lineage.