maternally inherited

Definition

Transmitted exclusively or predominantly through the maternal lineage, typically via mitochondrial DNA, cytoplasmic factors, or maternal contributions to the egg. In arthropods, this mode of inheritance produces offspring that carry the mother's genetic or cellular elements regardless of paternal contribution.

Etymology

From Latin maternus (motherly) and inherited (received by genetic transmission)

Example

In honey bees (Apis mellifera), mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited, making it valuable for tracing queen lineages and studying population structure without the confounding effects of recombination.

Synonyms

• matrilineal inheritance
• maternal transmission

Related Terms

• paternally inherited
• uniparental inheritance
• mitochondrial DNA
• cytoplasmic inheritance
• Wolbachia
• Parthenogenesis
• Haplodiploidy
• maternal effect

Usage Notes

Distinguish from 'maternal effect,' where the mother's genotype influences offspring phenotype through deposited mRNA or proteins rather than through inherited genetic material. In insects with haplodiploid sex determination, males are already effectively maternally inherited for their entire genome (developing from unfertilized eggs), creating special patterns for studying transmission genetics.