I mentioned that there is new evidence for the occasional inheritance of paternal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
I have now seen the original research report. by Y Kraytsberg et al, in Science, vol 304, 14 May 2004, p. 981.
The results look pretty robust. Unlike earlier claims of paternal inheritance, which rested on statistical studies of populations, this one is based on sequence data from an individual with an inherited muscle disorder. Comparing mtDNA from the patient, his father and mother, shows not only paternal inheritance but recombination of mtDNA from both parents. Unless the authors have made a remarkable blunder, there seems to be at least one case of paternal mtDNA inheritance and (slightly more doubtful) recombination of the mitochondrial genome.
How important this is for studies of ancestry remains to be seen. One might think that if it were a common phenomenon there would have been clearer evidence before now.
Posted by David B at 05:36 AM