In the context of genetics, which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the mother in the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA?
A) The mother contributes mitochondrial DNA to the offspring, while the father’s mitochondrial DNA is discarded during fertilization.
B) Mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively from the father, as it is contained in the sperm.
C) Both parents contribute equally to mitochondrial DNA inheritance.
D) Mitochondrial DNA is not inherited; it is instead synthesized by the offspring’s cells.