Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been used to study molecular ecology and phylogeography for 25 years. Much important information has been gained in this way, but it is time to reflect on the biology of the mitochondrion itself and consider opportunities for evolutionary studies of the organelle itself and its ecology, biochemistry and physiology. This review has four sections. First, we review aspects of the natural history of mitochondria and their DNA to show that it is a unique molecule with specific characteristics that differ from nuclear DNA. We do not attempt to cover the plethora of differences between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA; rather we spotlight differences that can cause significant bias when inferring demographic properties of populations and/or the evolutionary history of species. We focus on recombination, effective population size and mutation rate. Second, we explore some of the difficulties in interpreting phylogeographical data from mtDNA data alone and suggest a broader use of multiple nuclear markers. We argue that mtDNA is not a sufficient marker for phylogeographical studies if the focus of the investigation is the species and not the organelle. We focus on the potential bias caused by introgression. Third, we show that it is not safe to assume a priori that mtDNA evolves as a strictly neutral marker because both direct and indirect selection influence mitochondria. We outline some of the statistical tests of neutrality that can, and should, be applied to mtDNA sequence data prior to making any global statements concerning the history of the organism. We conclude with a critical examination of the neglected biology of mitochondria and point out several surprising gaps in the state of our knowledge about this important organelle. Here we limelight mitochondrial ecology, sexually antagonistic selection, life-history evolution including ageing and disease, and the evolution of mitochondrial inheritance.

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The incomplete natural history of mitochondria

Mitochondrial role in cell aging

The role of oxidative damage and stress in aging.

Functional senescence in Drosophila melanogaster.

An integrated theory of aging as the result of mitochondrial-DNA mutation in differentiated cells☆

Role of metabolic rate and DNA-repair in Drosophila aging Implications for the mitochondrial mutation theory of aging

Quantitative analysis of mating behavior in aging male Drosophila Melanogaster

Mortality kinetics of Drosophila melanogaster, comparing effects of gamma radiation-induced life shortening and natural aging

Rosemarie Binnard

Papers

Role of metabolic rate and DNA-repair in Drosophila aging Implications for the mitochondrial mutation theory of aging

Quantitative analysis of mating behavior in aging male Drosophila Melanogaster

Differences between radiation-induced life shortening and natural aging in Drosophila melanogaster.

Accelerated aging of fasted Drosophila Preservation of Physiological function and cellular fine structure by thiazolidine carboxylic acid (TCA)