We all know of the DNA in the nucleus of our cells, but what is less widely known is that among the numerous functioning satchels ( called organelles) of our cells, one other stachel contains genes as well. This stachel is called the Mitochondria. Its main function is to help generate energy. Scientists have speculated that it may have been an independent single celled organism that was integrated into the earliest cells, to eventually perform the specialized function of generating energy for the cell - a vast leap in evolution. This organelle carries its own DNA.
Becca told me that because her mother is Jewish, she and her siblings can go to Israel one time in their life for free before the age of 25. This privilege is only offered to children whose mother is Jewish, and would be offered to her future children but not her brother's children. She said it is possibly due to the fact that traditions are more likely passed on through the mother. She is an anthropologist.
As a student of biology I think giving this privilege to Jewish children of maternal descent may be due to the mitochondria. The genes in the mitochondria only pass through the mother due to the ovule being the sole provider of the fetuses original cell compositions while the sperm only provides the other half of the chromosome. Mitochondria thus allows a definite trace of lineage through the mother. This has allowed scientists to trace all current human lineages to one particular woman in the history of mankind. Though she was not the first woman on earth, she can be considered the 'Eve' of all current homo sapiens.
As a student of biology I think giving this privilege to Jewish children of maternal descent may be due to the mitochondria.
I highly suspect any such privilege to Jewish children would be due to the Israeli government.
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If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing. - Anatole France
Jewish law states that a child is only Jewish if his or her mother is Jewish as well. Thus, if her brother doesn't marry and have children with another Jew, his children will not be considered Jewish (except possibly by the Reform movement).
This privilege, known as Birthright Israel, is only available to Jews, so it'd only be available to children of a Jewish woman.
It's also available to Jews-by-choice who convert before they turn 25, so it's not so much a tracing of lineage.
~C
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