mitochondrial eve love

mitochondrial eve

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  • Our mitochondria have their own DNA and RNA which reproduce on their own. At conception the nuclear DNA of each parent is combined, but the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is exclusively contributed by the mother. This means that researchers can trace back lineage by mtDNA, and that all living humans share a common ancestor known as mitochondrial eve (but see wikipedia for more information about what that really means).

    I wonder if there is a communication mechanism the mitochondria have that we aren't aware of (sub-audible? olfactory? chemical? perhaps the "chemistry of love" is combination of physical attraction AND mtDNA compatibilty), which could occasionally account for other things ranging from Jung's collective unconscious to ESP?

    It seems that we are human-bacteria hybrids and even if it is not the mitochondria, there may be other biological explanations for paranormal phenomena

    For an excellent read see Lewis Thomas Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher

    April 9, 2007