Intravital Microscopy

The mitochondria are some of the most important organelles within the cell. Not only do the mitochondria help to build components of hormones and blood in the body and contain necessary enzymes in some cell types, but also they provide energy needed for the cell. The mitochondria are particularly known for the process of cellular respiration, or the process in which oxygen and glucose are used to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
In 2014, an experiment was conducted to observe the salivary glands in laboratory rats at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). The scientists examined the mitochondria oscillating within the cells. This was the first time that they had seen oscillations

The processing of NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is one important part of a mitochondrion’s function. Scientists used the tools available to them (high magnification) to observe the electrons being emitted from NADH. To take a look at these NADH molecules, the scientists used intravital microscopy. Intravital microscopy is a high-resolution microscopy technique that was used back in the 19th century. In order to obtain a clear image without blurring, a level of optic quality is required. With a superb optic tool, scientists can observe the cells in their natural habitat, not under laboratory circumstances. With the help of the microscopes, scientists are able to find a relationship between oscillations and a “reactive oxygen species.” With the knowledge of respiration, scientists can infer the results with the fact that oxygen is a byproduct of ATP. Because of these, scientists can guess that the oscillations are due to conditions in their habitat or environment. Natalie Porat-Shliom, a NIDCR scientist, says: “These findings emphasize how important it is scientifically to study biology on its own terms, not under artificial laboratory