Problem:
Firstly I could do with a brief description of mitochondrial DNA. How does the structure of DNA in mitochondria compare to animal DNA (for the sake of simplicity let's say human - some animals might have unusual DNA structure) and what living organism is the mitochondrial genome most akin to? (Circular like bacteria maybe?) and are the mitochondria within a single human homogenous?
Secondly, and most importantly to my aim,
Question: does the mitochondrial genome recombine in anyway?
Question: Is the process of recombination affected by its structure?
Question: Are there any patterns/rules in mitochondrial recombination?
Question: Is there DNA transfer between mitochondria which could have a similar effect?
I am trying to think about how male deleterious alleles can spread differently in diverged populations given potential recombination to female beneficial (or recombination away from female deleterious mutations).
Does anyone know how to go about this search to explain it