The Maternal Magic of Mitochondria

Mitochondria (purple) in a rodent heart muscle cell. Credit: Thomas Deerinck, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research. Mitochondria (mitochondrion in singular) are indispensable. Every cell of our bodies, apart from mature red blood cells, contains the capsule-shaped organelles that generate more than 90 percent of our energy, which is why they’re often called “the powerhouse of the cell.” They produce this energy by forming adenosine triphosphate (ATP), our cells’ most common energy source. But mitochondria also support cells in other ways. For example, they help cells maintain the correct concentration of calcium ions, which are involved in blood clotting and muscle contraction. Mitochondria are also the only structure in our cells with their own unique DNA, which with rare exceptions, is inherited only from mothers. That’s why, in honor of Mother’s Day, we’re exploring this special cellular connection to moms. Mitochondrial DNA Basics Most scientists believe that mitochondria have their own DNA because they originated as free-living bacteria that were engulfed by primitive eukaryotic cells but not digested about 1.5 billion years ago. Instead, the two cells benefited each other and eventually developed a relationship that would evolve into more complex life, such as plants and animals. Mitochondrial DNA forms circles, unlike the rest of our DNA. Credit: National Human Genome Research Institute. Mitochondria’s involvement i...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Cells Cellular Processes Source Type: blogs