Research Paper On Mitochondria

The mitochondrion is one of the most important organelles in eukaryotic cells. Widely referred to as the 'Powerhouse of the Cell', they are a feature present in all types of eukaryotic organisms including chloroplasts (only present in plants and algae). They are membrane enclosed organelles that consist of a smooth outer double membrane structure, the mitochondrial matrix and the narrow intermembrane space. Inside the mitochondria there are many folds called cristae. The outer membrane has many porin molecules on it that act as a filter, allowing small molecules, such as some proteins, to enter the intermembrane space but can't pass through to the impermeable inner membrane. While it has many important functions to carry out in the cell,

The dispersion of mitochondria in the cell soma is aided by microtubule filaments, which when combined with an actin cytoskeleton, help to divide the chromosomes during cell division; however the segregation of mitochondrial chromosomes is not directly linked to cell division and can occur on its own. Mitochondria have their own genome and maternal mode of transmission or germline. They are also needed for additional functions such as regulating mitochondrial segregation to protect the organelles and to prevent and minimize defects such as the growth of pathogenic mutations that can cause disease. These diseases are known as mitochondrial encephalomyopathies and vary greatly - from neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's to metabolic diseases including cancer, and encephalopathy (brain disease) in infants. The vast array of diseases that can be caused have many differing phenotypes and outcomes, and are largely concentrated to areas that require a high level of energy (metabolic activity). They fluctuate in intensity, but the majority of damaged is detected in the brain, the nerves and in muscles (as these areas consume a high quantity of energy). Often, they are a result of oxidative phosphorylation defects from mitochondrial genome pathogens. The process of segregating dividing mitochondrial DNA to daughter cells is so important due to the link between the need for functioning mitochondria for cellular processes and their role in disease when found to be faulty. Mitochondrial DNA is passed on through generations by the maternal gene. It is a uni-parental process as the paternal mtDNA is killed and disintegrated after fertilization occurs. The inherited DNA needs to be highly functional. Children have on copy of DNA from both the maternal and paternal genes and they can receive numerous copies of mtDNA which can only be inherited from the mother.