Functional properties of mitochondria

• Mitochondria is used as an energy source by

the cells which has an essential role in
generating reactive oxidative species (ROS),
apoptosis, and metabolic activities.
• Mitochondria generate energy in the form of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They also take
part in cell signalling and help cells sense and
adapt to their environment.
• Mitochondrial damage can interfere with many
cellular function thus promotes ageing and
diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Functional and structural properties of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

1.) mtDNA lacks the protective histones around their

nucleosome.

2.) mtDNA has no introns and only the coding exons.

3.) D-loop on the mtDNA is a DNA triplet helix where most of the
replication and transcription is controlled.

4.) mtDNA consists of approximately 37 genes which encodes for

respiratory complexes (complexes I, III, IV, V and ATP synthase)
which are responsible for oxidative phosphorylation –ATP
synthesis.
Consequences of mtDNA damage

• Mitochondria is partially located in close proximity to the site of ROS

production and they also lacks the protective histones around the
nucleosome- thus mtDNA is more prone to damage
• mtDNA damage can result in mitochondrial dysfunction- which
happen in heart, aortas and also the leukocytes in patients with
atherosclerosis. Which results in : -inflammation and apoptosis.
• What causes mtDNA damage in atherosclerosis patients is not very
clear.
• It is also not clear whether the endogenous levels of mtDNA damage
seen in atherosclerosis (mouse and human) are enough to cause the
mitochondrial dysfunction.