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Mitochondria: The Dark Side

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Role of Physical Exercise in Preventing Disease and Improving the Quality of Life

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Abstract

Mitochondria are small organelle found in almost every cell of an organism (Fig. 1). They are the size of bacteria and form a dynamic network that is constantly changing. A typical eukaryotic cell contains about 2,000 mitochondria, which occupy roughly one fifth of its total volume [1]. Mitochondria {fg115-01} are considered to be the power generators of the cell, converting oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), through a process of oxidative phosphorylation. Although mitochondria are involved in various other important cellular processes such as the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the biosynthesis of pyrimidines, amino acids, nucleotides, phospholipids, and heme, ATP synthesis is likely to be the most important function of these organelles. Without mitochondria, higher animals would likely not exist because their cells would not be able to obtain enough energy. In fact, mitochondria enable cells to produce 15 times more ATP than they could otherwise. Mitochondrial energy production is a foundation for health and well being. It is necessary for physical strength, stamina, and consciousness [1]. Even subtle insufficiency in mitochondrial function can cause weakness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties [2]. Furthermore, chemicals which strongly interfere with mitochondrial function are known to be potent poisons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Laboratory Medicine Division of Metabolic Diseases, Novum Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    Daniel Edgar & Aleksandra Trifunovic

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  1. Daniel Edgar
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  2. Aleksandra Trifunovic
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biological Chemistry “Giorgio Fornaini” and Institute of Health and Physical Exercise, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy

    Vilberto Stocchi

  2. Department of Internal Medicine Section of Internal Medicine Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Pierpaolo De Feo

  3. School of Kinesiology Science Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    David A. Hood

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Edgar, D., Trifunovic, A. (2007). Mitochondria: The Dark Side. In: Stocchi, V., De Feo, P., Hood, D.A. (eds) Role of Physical Exercise in Preventing Disease and Improving the Quality of Life. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-0376-7_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-0376-7_7

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