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Introduction/
training

• organization of the study
• polarography
• calibrating research paper

Mitochondria theory

• overview
• structure
• Krebs reactions
• electron transport
• the gradient
• oxidative phosphorylation

Mitochondria in vitro

• preparation
• fate of substrates
• state IV
• state III
• metabolic poisons
• mitotraces
• rationale
• experiments

Additional topics

• glossary of terms
• Hans Krebs
• origin of mitochondria
• other functions

"Other" Mitochondria Functions

Role of mitochondria in processes other than oxidative phosphorylation

Mitochondrial membranes contain numerous transport systems for the import of metabolites and high energy intermediates, export of ATP which is utilized in the cytosol, and inorganic phosphate, which is returned to the matrix via a phosphate-proton symport that is driven by the chemiosmotic gradient. Thus some of the gradient energy is always used for purposes other than synthesis of ATP.

Mitochondria are exceedingly important as storage tanks for calcium ions. Calcium ion concentration is an important second messenger in cells. It must be precisely con trolled in various intracellular compartments, or cellular function is compromised. Indeed, calcium itself is a mediator of many toxins. Mitochondria may act as 'sinks' to buffer the effects of calcium overload.