Mitochondrial fusion

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles with the ability to fuse and divide (fission), forming constantly changing tubular networks in most eukaryotic cells. These mitochondrial dynamics, first observed over a hundred years ago[1] are important for the health of the cell, and defects in dynamics lead to genetic disorders. Through fusion, mitochondria can overcome the dangerous consequences of genetic malfunction.[2] The process of mitochondrial fusion involves a variety of proteins that assist the cell throughout the series of events that form this process.

Mitochondrial network (green) in two human cells (HeLa cells)
Mitochondria, mammalian lung - TEM (2)
  1. ^ Lewis, Margaret (1915). "Mitochondria (and other cytoplamic structures) in tissue cultures" (PDF). American Journal of Anatomy. 17 (3): 339–401. doi:10.1002/aja.1000170304.
  2. ^ Hales, Karen G. (2010). "Mitochondrial Fusion and Division". Nature Education. 3 (9): 12. Retrieved 23 November 2014.