Molecular Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are the main source of energy for cells to maintain the function of individual organs. They are one of the main sources of reactive forms of oxygen and nitrogen. Mitochondria are dynamic structures that undergo processes of biosynthesis, fusion, fission and mitophagy. The complexes of the respiratory system of mitochondria are arranged in supercomplexes, important for shortening the distance of electron transport in the respiratory system of mitochondria. They contain proteins–sirtuins, sensors of cellular energy balance, which regulate the metabolic response of the cell to changes in the bioavailability of nutrients in many tissues, participate in the regulation of metabolic processes during stress and aging, the regulation of ATP production and apoptosis. Mitochondria are subject to oscillations, circadian or circasemidian biological rhythms. The biological clock of mitochondria and coenzyme Q10 may be a key parameter for re-energizing dysfunctional mitochondria.