Payne B A et al 2013 present evidence that a low level of he

Payne, B. A. et al. (2013) present evidence that a low level of heteroplasmic mtDNA exists in all tested healthy individuals.

What genetic conditions within a given mitochondrion are likely to contribute to such a variable pool of mitochondria?

The most likely genetic condition within a given mitochondrion would be some sort of mutagenic agents such as reactive oxygen species.

The most likely genetic condition within a given mitochondrion would be some sort of mutator gene such as a faulty polymerase.

The most likely genetic condition within a given mitochondrion would be some sort of mutagenic factors such as mistakes in cell division.

The most likely genetic condition within a given mitochondrion would be some sort of mutagenic factors such as mistakes of reparation system.

Solution

The most likely genetic condition within a given mitochondrion would be some sort of mutagenic factors such as mistakes of reparation system.

Presence of more than one type of organellar genome (mitochondrial DNA or plastid DNA) within a cell or individual is called heteroplasmy. It could lead to a less efficient oxidative phosphorylation hence leads to mistake in respiratory process.