Mitochondria

Welcome to this lecture on mitochondria, providing an overview of the unique structure and essential functions of mitochondria, including their role in ATP production and metabolic processes, such as the TCA cycle and fatty acid oxidation. We will discuss how mitochondria regulate calcium, participate in apoptosis, and adapt dynamically through fusion and fission to maintain cellular health. The importance of mitochondrial communication with the nucleus and its impact on disease and aging will also be explored. Finally, we will highlight why mitochondria are considered promising targets for future therapies against metabolic, neurological and age related disorders. Mitochondria are remarkable organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells and are often called the powerhouses of the cell. They have a double membrane, a relatively permeable outer membrane, and a highly selective invaginated inner membrane, which increases surface area for metabolic reactions. The matrix inside houses mitochondrial DNA, RNA, ribosomes, and metabolic enzymes. Mitochondria are dynamic, forming networks that fuse, divide, and move to meet changing cellular energy demands. Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy metabolism, generating over 90% of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Energy production starts as electrons from MADH and FADH two move through complexes one to four in the inner membrane's electron transport chain. Protons are pumped into the intermembrane space,