Mitochondria In Eukaryotic Essay

The primary role of mitochondria, in eukaryotic cells, is production of metabolic energy. They play a role in oxidative phosphorylation (final step in aerobic respiration) during which ATP is produced. Energy is produced via oxidation of pyruvate and NADH. Firstly the link reaction takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, during which acetyl CoA is formed. This step is followed by the Krebs Cycle in the same location, resulting in 2 CO2, 1 ATP, 3 NADH+H+ and 1 FADH2 molecules. Final step of aerobic respiration is Electron Transport Chain, which produces majority of ATP molecules via translocation of H+ ions to intermembrane space. (Lodish, 2000) Mitochondrion also plays a role in neurotransmitter release, by activating second messenger system

Because mitochondria are considered the fuel tank in a muscle cell, when these organelles are dysfunctional, the damage on the muscle cells is inevitable. With age the amount of mitochondria in muscles declines (Chistiakov et al., 2014). There are increased number on mutations in the mitochondrial DNA and the activity of mitochondrial enzymes decrease, so does their ability to function (carry out oxidative phosphorylation on a needed rate) (Peterson, Johannsen and Ravussin, 2012). All changes due to biochemical and bioenergetic aging of mitochondria - phenotypic step-backs, such as enlarged mitochondrial organelles, depolarization and shortened cristae (Shigenaga, Hagen and Ames, 1994). Thus there is an increase of ATP production. This is the reason behind the reduced aerobic capacity in numerous elderly people. As a result, loss of energy can be connected to muscle weakening and hearts ability to work - mitochondria cannot satisfy organism’s needs. By increasing overall mitochondrial activity in muscle cells, the oxidative metabolism is increased. Supplement containing BETTEREX1 would increase elderly respiratory