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Mitochondria serve as the energy centers of cells, facilitating essential biological functions. Recent advancements at the University of Basel in Switzerland, utilizing cryo-electron tomography, have shed light on the intricate structure of these organelles, revealing that the proteins responsible for energy production form large “supercomplexes.” This discovery is pivotal for understanding how cells generate their energy.
A wide range of living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans, possess mitochondria within their cells. The primary role of these organelles is to generate energy to support nearly all cellular activities. Mitochondria convert oxygen and carbohydrates from food into ATP, the universal energy carrier in cells. This process relies on proteins collectively known as respiratory complexes, which collaborate to produce energy.
Despite being identified over seven decades ago, the precise arrangement of these respiratory complexes within mitochondria has remained largely unknown until this study. The researchers, led by Dr. Florent Waltz and Prof. Ben Engel at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, employed advanced cryo-electron tomography to obtain high-resolution images of mitochondrial respiratory chains within living cells, achieving unprecedented clarity. The findings of their research are documented in the journal “Science.”
New insights into the cell’s powerhouses
According to Florent Waltz, the data reveals that respiratory proteins are organized within specific regions of mitochondrial membranes, clustering together to form a predominant type of supercomplex. “Using electron microscopy, we could distinctly observe the structure and function of these individual supercomplexes. They facilitate proton transport across the mitochondrial membrane, while ATP production complexes utilize this proton flow to produce ATP, akin to a watermill,” he explains.
Mitochondrial architecture for efficient energy production
The investigation focused on mitochondria in the living cells of the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. “We were taken aback to find that all proteins were assembled into these supercomplexes,” Waltz remarked. “This structural organization could enhance the efficiency of ATP production, optimize the flow of electrons, and reduce energy wastage.”
Moreover, the study provided deeper insights into the mitochondrial membrane structure. “The inner membranes exhibit numerous folds that increase surface area, allowing for a greater density of respiratory complexes, resembling the architecture of lung tissue,” Engel noted.
Perspectives into evolution and health
As the research progresses, the scientists aim to clarify the mechanisms behind the interconnection of respiratory complexes and how this interdependence improves the efficiency of cellular respiration and energy production. The implications of this study extend beyond basic science, potentially influencing biotechnology and health. “By exploring the structural organization of these complexes across different organisms, we can enhance our understanding of their evolutionary development,” Waltz stated. “This could help explain how disruptions in these complexes may lead to various human diseases.”
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