5 functions of mitochondria

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that show self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and paracrine and immune regulation. As a result of these properties, the MSCs have great clinical application prospects, especially in the regeneration of injured tissues, functional reconstruction, and cell therapy. However, the transplanted MSCs are prone to ageing and apoptosis and have a difficult to control direction differentiation. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively regulate the functions of the MSCs to promote their desired effects. In recent years, it has been found that mitochondria, the main organelles responsible for energy metabolism and adenosine triphosphate production in cells, play a key role in regulating different functions of the MSCs through various mechanisms. Thus, mitochondria could act as effective targets for regulating and promoting the functions of the MSCs. In this review, we discuss the research status and current understanding of the role and mechanism of mitochondrial energy metabolism, morphology, transfer modes, and dynamics on MSC functions. Organelles in cells mainly include endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus (GA), ribosome, mitochondria, and so on. The ER and ribosome acts as a protein synthesis factory, which is involved in the production, folding, modification, maturation, quality control, and degradation of approximately one third of cellular proteins and makes certain that only properly folded proteins can ...

Mitochondria are organelles that contain their own DNA, and have both inner and outer membranes. Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they are responsible for producing most of the cell's energy in the form of ATP. According to the endosymbiont theory, mitochondria began as separate bacteria that were absorbed into another cell for their energy-producing capabilities. Sperm are small and have to travel a great distance (relative to their size) so they have as few organelles as possible. Eggs travel passively so they can remain large and contain all of the organelles and macromolecules to survive. Generally we have evolved to have the females invest more energy per reproductive event and this is no different. mitochondria and bioenergetics, This legendary saga began over two billion years ago, when one bacterium entered another without being digested, ultimately creating the first mitochondrion. Since then, for life to exist beyond single-celled bacteria, it’s the mitochondria that are responsible for this life-giving energy. Yet, current research has also revealed a dark side; many seemingly unconnected degenerative diseases have their roots in dysfunctional mitochondria. Modern research, however, has also endowed us with the knowledge on how to optimize its function, which is of critical importance to our health and longevity. Yes, this is part of the evidence supporting the theory that these (and possible some other organelles) aros...

As a result, the inner membrane has a large surface area, and no part of the matrix is far from an inner membrane fold. The folds and large surface area help with the mitochondrial function, increasing the potential rate of transfer between the matrix and the intermembrane space across the inner membrane. Why Are Mitochondria Important? Through their ATP synthesis function, mitochondria in muscles and other cells produce the body heat to keep warm-blooded animals at a steady temperature. It is this concentrated energy production capability of mitochondria that makes the high-energy activities and the production of heat in higher animals possible. Mitochondrial Functions Energy from the reduction-oxidation, or redox, reactions is used to transfer protons out of the matrix where the reactions are taking place. The final reaction in the mitochondrial function chain is one in which oxygen from cellular respiration undergoes reduction to form water. The end products of the reactions are water and ATP. They work together to help transfer protons from hydrogen molecules in the matrix across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This creates a chemical and electrical potential across the membrane with the protons returning to the matrix through the enzyme ATP synthase, resulting in the phosphorylation and production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). During this process, the oxidation of carbohydrates in the mitochondria pumps protons across the inner membrane from the matrix into the i...

Why subscribe? • The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe • Subscribe today and save an extra 5% with checkout code 'LOVE5' • Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews • Issues delivered straight to your door or device Occurrence All living organisms are built with one fundamental brick: the cell. In some cases, a single cell constitutes an entire organism. Cells contain genetic material ( Plants, animals and fungi are all eukaryotes and have highly ordered cells. Their genetic material is packaged into a central nucleus. They also have specialized cellular components called Individual mitochondria are capsule shaped, with an outer membrane and an undulating inner membrane, which resembles protruding fingers. These membranous pleats are called cristae, and serve to increase the overall surface area of the membrane. When compared to cristae, the outer membrane is more porous and is less selective about which materials it lets in. The matrix is the central portion of the organelle and is surrounded by cristae. It contains enzymes and DNA. Mitochondria are unlike most organelles (with an exception of plant chloroplasts) in that they have their own set of DNA and genes that encode proteins. Plant mitochondria were first observed by Friedrich Meves in 1904, as mentioned by Ernster and Schatz ( According to Sloan, the genomes of most flowering plants are about 100,000 Function The main ...