Mitochondria and Mitochondrion-related Organelles

Flashcards covering key concepts related to mitochondria and their role in cellular evolution and function.

Mito-centrism

An obsession with mitochondria that considers them as the main drivers of biological progress and various phenomena.

Eukaryotic cell

A cell that contains a nucleus and other organelles, which are enclosed within membranes.

Mitochondrion-first models

Theories suggesting that mitochondria are defining organelles for eukaryotic evolution.

Increased energy flux

Enhanced energy flow resulting from the presence of mitochondria, enabling greater metabolic activities.

Mitochondrion-genesis

The process by which mitochondria originated as a symbiotic entity within eukaryotic cells.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs)

Mitochondrial-derived vesicles involved in the transfer of materials to and from mitochondria.

Cristae

Folded structures within the inner membrane of mitochondria that increase surface area for aerobic respiration.

Aerobic respiration

A process of producing cellular energy involving the consumption of oxygen.

Mitochondrial proteome

The entire set of proteins expressed by mitochondria, which has a mixed origin including both bacterial and host contributions.

Endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT)

The process by which genes are transferred from the organelle genome to the nuclear genome.

First Mitochondrial Common Ancestor (FMCA)

The earliest ancestor from which the mitochondrial lineage evolved.

Last Mitochondrial Common Ancestor (LMCA)

The most recent ancestor from which all existing mitochondria have evolved.

Hydrogenosome

An organelle in certain anaerobic eukaryotes that functions in energy production, distinct from traditional mitochondria.

Mitosome

A simplified version of a mitochondrion found in some eukaryotes that lack respiratory functions.

Symbiogenesis

The evolutionary process that leads to the merging of two distinct organisms into a single entity.