Story highlights

The first birth through this new method could be in late 2017

The technique helps prevent children being born with certain fatal genetic diseases

What are mitochondria?
Mitochondria are small structures found in our cells that generate the cellular energy used to power every part of our bodies.

Mitochondria have their own DNA, which controls only mitochondrial function and energy production.
This is separate from our "nuclear DNA," which makes us who we are and determines appearance and personality.

(Source: Wellcome Trust)

(CNN) — The UK's fertility regulator has given the green light to a treatment that will make it possible for babies to be made from two women and a man. The new advancement in in vitro fertilization, developed by doctors in Newcastle, is intended to prevent children being born with certain fatal genetic diseases.

The first child to be born in the UK through the new method could arrive by the end of 2017.

The procedure will allow the donation of mitochondria, which provides energy for cells, to mothers with mutations within the DNA of their own mitochondria so they do not pass the mutations on to their child.

OK