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Case Study: Cells
Brian indicates that the mutation is in a gene found in the mitochondrial DNA. What does Brian mean by that and why did he signify mitochondrial DNA?
Brian referring to the mutation in a gene found in the mitochondrial DNA was because the disease that his brother was diagnosed with has to do with a problem within the DNA that deals with the optic nerve system and that can only be found within the mitochondria. The mitochondria are unique structures because they have their own DNA that is different from the DNA in the nucleus. This organelle also contains its own ribosomes for protein synthesis.
What is the main function of the mitochondria within the cells?
Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles (mitochondrion, singular) that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions. Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria contain their own small chromosomes. Generally, mitochondria, and therefore mitochondrial DNA, are inherited only from the mother.
Describe the composition of the mitochondrial membrane and compare that with the
composition of a eukaryotic cell membrane. What are the functions of cell membranes?
The major phospholipids in the mitochondrial membranes are phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidic acid (PA), as to plasma membrane; and
