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mitochondria
Function:
- major energy-producing organelle of cells
- the inner mitochondrial membrane contains the electron transport chain, responsible for generating the majority of cellular ATP
- the citric acid cycle, the final common pathway for oxidation of fuel molecules - amino acids, fatty acids, & carbohydrates, occurs in the mitochondrial matrix
Structure:
- fusion & fission of mitochondria occurs in many cell types, contributing to mitochondria morphology
Genetics:
- mitochondria have 2-10 copies of a genome, the mitochondrial genome [1]
- however, most mitochondrial proteins are of nucelar origin
Pathology:
- mitochondrial myopathies result from mitochondrial disorders
- mitochondria have been implicated in free radical diseases & aging
- sensitivity of mtDNA to aberrant ribonucleotide incorporation
- imbalanced nucleotide metabolism may lead to age- & mtDNA-dependent inflammatory responses the senescence-associated secretory phenotype [2]
Related
citric acid cycle, Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle
electron transport
mitochondrial genome
mitochondrial myopathy
General
Ca+2 sequestering compartment
References
- Wikipedia: Mitochondrion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion
- Conroy G
Mitochondria expel tainted DNA-spurring age-related inflammation.
Nature Nwes. 2025. Sept 26.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03064-x
- Bahat A, Milenkovic D, Cors E et al
Ribonucleotide incorporation into mitochondrial DNA drives inflammation.
Nature. 2025 Sep 24.
PMID: 40993386