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Biology 101

p Biology 101

Table of Contents

Biology 101 - Mitochondria . 1

Reference

2 A mitochondrion is an organelle of a cell that generates most of the cell 's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP , used as a source of chemical energy , and thus sometimes is called the power center ' of the cell . In addition , it is also involved in cell signalling , cellular differentiation , apoptosis , as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth

When the mitochondria have damage and dysfunction , the result is a mitochondrial

disease . Since the mitochondria can be found in every organ of the body , the effects of their damage can be varied . One person may suffer liver ailment and another person may have a brain dis . Sometimes , damaged mitochondria only cause minor illnesses depending on where the dysfunction is located

Generally , mitochondrial diseases are worst when the defective mitochondrion is found in the muscles , cerebrum or nerves , because these are where the most energy-hungry cells are present in our body . Thus it is a significant factor in various human diseases . These diseases include epilepsy , stroke , Alzheimer 's disease , schizophrenia , diabetes bipolar dis , retinitis pigmentosa , dementia , Parkinson 's disease and heart disease . The common thread linking these conditions is cellular damage causing oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species . These oxidants then damage the mitochondrial DNA , resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death

The mitochondria can be damaged from different oxidants and when these are severely damaged , the cells undergo autophagy , destroying the worn-out organelle . Oxidants and free radical species play a major role in disease pathogenesis . Oxidants cause tissue damage and may cause premature aging . Aging means that the mitochondria are worn-out thus suffering damage . As a result , progressive symptoms develop such as neuropathy that would eventually lead to dementia and other ailments Environmental factors can also contribute to mitochondrial diseases such as exposure to pesticides which can develop Parkinson 's disease Genetics is also a factor

REFERENCES

Google , HYPERLINK "http /en .wikipedia .org " http /en .wikipedia .org

Google , http /www .inotekcorp .com /content /oxidant_species .asp...

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