Inheritance from the mother; specifically the inheritance of non-chromosomal genetic material via the cytoplasm of the ovum, usually in organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London.
Definition of maternal inheritance in US English:
maternal inheritance
noun
Genetics
Inheritance from the mother; specifically the inheritance of non-chromosomal genetic material via the cytoplasm of the ovum, usually in organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London.