Section: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

4) Myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fiber (MERRF) is an extremely rare disorder that affects neuromuscular systems. MERRF results from a mutation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that impairs protein synthesis, oxygen consumption, and energy production. When an affected male and a normal female reproduce, which of the following best predicts the expected phenotypic ratios of the offspring?

1. None of the offspring will be affected
2. All males and no females will be affected
3. Half of males and half of females will be affected
4. One-fourth of the offspring will be affected