In
genetics,
paternal mtDNA transmission and
paternal mtDNA inheritance refer to the incidence of
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) being passed from a
father to his offspring. Paternal mtDNA inheritance is observed in a small proportion of species; in general, mtDNA is passed unchanged from a mother to her offspring, making it an example of non-
Mendelian inheritance. In contrast, mtDNA transmission from both parents occurs regularly in certain
bivalves.