Mitochondria Structure Biogenesis And Transducing Functions

In the past few years, the body of experimental work on the structure, function and assembly processes of mitochondria has expanded rapidly. No one person can believe himself or herself completely in control of the burgeoning literature without possessing serious omissions or blind spots. In the present monograph I have attempted a critical evaluation of the literature. I believe that the common thread of single authorship outweighs the shortcomings of one person presenting many disparate viewpo,ints. It is my hope that the end product represents a comprehensive and coordinated review of the subject matter to the present date. Although the bulk of this monograph was completed by October 1974, I have made some attempts to update several of the sections at later times. Albany, N. Y. , November 1975 H. TEDESCHI Contents A. Structure of Mitochondria 1. General Organization . a) Conventional Thin Section Electron Microscopy b) Negative Staining Techniques . 3 c) Freeze-Cleavage . . . . . . . 4 2. Special Organization and Inclusions 10 a) Prismatic or Atypical Cristae 10 b) Filaments and Tubules . . 11 c) Amorphous Inclusions 12 d) Intramitochondrial Granules 12 e) DNA Containing Fibers 14 3. Topography of the Mitochondrial Transducing Systems 15 B. The Assembly of Mitochondria 18 1. Mitochondrial DNA and Its Genetic Role 19 2. Transcription of the Mitochondrial DNA . 28 a) mRNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 b) The Machinery for Transcription and Translation 32 c) Turnover of Mitochondrial RNA 36 3. Protein Synthesis . . . . . . . . 37 a) Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis and Its Characteristics 37 b) Role of Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis . .

Mitochondria in plants, as in other eukaryotes, play an essential role in the cell as the major producers of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. However, mitochondria also play crucial roles in many other aspects of plant development and performance, and possess an array of unique properties which allow them to interact with the specialized features of plant cell metabolism. The two main themes running through the book are the interconnection between gene regulation and protein function, and the integration of mitochondria with other components of plant cells. The book begins with an overview of the dynamics of mitochondrial structure, morphology and inheritance. It then discusses the biogenesis of mitochondria, the regulation of gene expression, the mitochondrial genome and its interaction with the nucleus, and the targeting of proteins to the organelle. This is followed by a discussion of the contributions that mutations, involving mitochondrial proteins, have made to our understanding of the way the organelle interacts with the rest of the plant cell, and the new field of proteomics and the discovery of new functions. Also covered are the pathways of electron transport, with special attention to the non-phosphorylating bypasses, metabolite transport, and specialized mitochondrial metabolism. In the end, the impact of oxidative stress on mitochondria and the defense mechanisms, that are employed to allow survival, are discussed. This book is for the use of advanced undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, and beginning researchers in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, integrative biology, biochemistry, bioenergetics, proteomics and plant and agricultural sciences.

Mitochondria in Higher Plants: Structure, Function, and Biogenesis is a collection and interpretation of information on plant mitochondria. It explains not only the basic enzymology of ATP synthesis coupled to electron transport that seems to constitute the major activity of the mitochondria, but also many other aspects that make plant mitochondria rather more diverse than their animal counterparts. Organized into five chapters, this book begins with the morphological and cytological observations on mitochondria, and proceeding through membrane and matrix functions to participation in metabolism and biogenesis. Each section presents the unique properties of plant mitochondria within the framework of general mitochondrial structure and function. This book is intended not only for research workers and students interested in the enzymology of plant mitochondria respiration, but also for graduate and undergraduate students in the field of plant biochemistry, cell physiology, and molecular biology. It will be useful as a starting point for those students wishing to pursue special studies in this field.

As age related diseases increase in prevalence and impact more significantly on medical resources it is imperative to understand these diseases and the mechanisms behind their progression. New research has stimulated a growing interest in mitochondrial involvement in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis and the mechanisms which lead from mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegeneration. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Disorders brings together contributions from leaders in the field internationally on the various ways in which mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of these diseases, guiding the reader through the basic functions of mitochondria and the mechanisms that lead to their dysfunction, to the consequences of this dysfunction on neuronal function before finishing with the modelling of these disorders and discussion of new potential therapeutic targets. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Disorders provides an accessible, authoritative guide to this important area for neurologists; research and clinical neuroscientists; neuropathologists; and residents with an interest in clinical research.

In the two decades since the last comprehensive work on plant peroxisomes appeared, the scientific approaches employed in the study of plant biology have changed beyond all recognition. The accelerating pace of plant research in the post-genomic era is leading us to appreciate that peroxisomes have many important roles in plant cells, including reserve mobilisation, nitrogen assimilation, defence against stress, and metabolism of plant hormones, which are vital for productivity and normal plant development. Many plant scientists are finding, and will no doubt continue to find, that their own area of research is connected in some way to peroxisomes. Written by the leading experts in the field, this book surveys peroxisomal metabolic pathways, protein targeting and biogenesis of the organelle and prospects for the manipulation of peroxisomal function for biotechnological purposes. It aims to draw together the current state of the art as a convenient starting point for anyone, student or researcher, who wishes to know about plant peroxisomes.

Mitochondria in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Comprehensive Review on Mitochondrial Functioning and Involvement in Metabolic Diseases synthesizes discoveries from laboratories around the world, enhancing our understanding of the involvement of mitochondria in the etiology of diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Chapters illustrate and provide an overview of key concepts on topics such as the role of mitochondria in adipose tissue, cancer, cardiovascular comorbidities, skeletal muscle, the liver, kidney, and more. This book is a must-have reference for students and educational teams in biology, physiology and medicine, and researchers. Synthesizes actual knowledge on mitochondrial function Provides an integrated vision of each tissue in the etiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes Identifies the interactive networks that involve alteration in mitochondrial mass and function in disease progression Highlights the role played by mitochondria in the prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes