[MHGinTN]

If memory serves, there are mitochondria which lack DNA but are capable of reproducing. I can't remember which organism has this particular mitochondria, perhaps a spore producing mold.

[null and void]

IIRC, mitochondria have their own separate DNA code. Not the same coding scheme used in the rest of the cell.

Some have cited this as evidence that mitochondria aren't actually part of the cell, but are a symbiotic organism, from way back in time.

[bannie]

I'm not sure if valley fever spores really are red, but I wanted to throw my spores into the mix.

:-)