14: Energy Conversion: Mitochondria and Chloroplasts
Structure
Location
- More mitochondria near sites of high ATP demand
- There are ER & mitochondria contacts: they can mediate the exchange of lipids between two membrane systems
Metabolism
Electron transport chain
ATP synthase Location: proton sink in cristae ridges. Usually an ATP synthase dimer there.
ADP / ATP carrier protein: six transmembrane α helices define a cavity that binds either ADP or ATP
14.1: Mitochondrial Genome
Size - 16500 bp, circular
- DNA replication not in phase with nuclear DNA replications
- In humans: codes for 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, 13 proteins
Variety Only five genes are invariably found in mitochondrial DNA:
- ribosomal RNA
- cytochrome b (cob)
- cytochrome oxidase (cox)
DNA read
14.2: Protein Localization to the Mitochondrion
Overview
- Proteins are made in the cytosol, then translocated
- Proteins imported into the matrix space usually possess an N-terminal signal sequence, which is removed by a signal peptidase
after import
Signal sequence
Protein translocators Location: in mitochondrial membranes
Protein Import
Porin integration
From Cytosol to inner
mitochondrial membrane
Role of energy
14.3: Mitochondrial fission and fusion
Definition
- Mitochondria arise from the division of an existing mitochondrion
- Mitochondrial transport is required to distribute mitochondria where they are needed
- Mitochondrial length, shape, size and number are controlled by fusion and fission
- Fission and fusion are complex, because of the double membrane, and because integrity of the separate mitochondrial
compartments must be maintained
Fission Controlled by dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1 / Dynamin-1)
- Recruited dynamin-1 from cytosol forms a ring- and
spiral-structure around the scission site
- GTP hydrolysis dependent
Fusion - Fusion of outer and inner membranes are coordinated
sequential events
- separate set of protein factors
Mfn = mitofusin
Opa = optic atrophy protein
MOM = mitochondrial outer membrane
MIM = mitochondrial inner membrane
- Fusion of MOM: Mfn1 and Mfn 2
- Fusion of MIM: Opa 1