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The Mitochondrion
Book chapter

The Mitochondrion

Akhil B Vaidya
Molecular Approaches to Malaria
01 Sep 2005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/9781555817558.ch12

Abstract

antimalarial drugs DNA replication genome sequence metabolic functions mitochondria
This chapter provides an overview of the mitochondrion in malaria parasites in the light of what has been learned from the genome sequence. Historically, functions of the mitochondrion in malaria parasites were unclear because of its sac‐like appearance and paucity of cristae. Prior to successful culture of Plasmodium falciparum, work on mitochondrial biochemistry also suffered from contamination with host components. The need to be aware of host mitochondrial contamination is still valid when using rodent malaria parasites as a source. Although mitochondria are called the powerhouse of cells for providing ATP, it is the generation of proton motive force across their inner membrane that justifies this moniker. Gene expression profiles of blood‐stage parasites revealed an apparently coordinated expression of genes for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes. Mitochondrial ATP synthesis is carried out by a multiprotein rotary enzyme, F 0 F 1 ATP synthase (complex V), located within the inner membrane by utilizing the proton motive force. The assembly of iron‐sulfur [Fe‐S] clusters is a complex process requiring participation of several enzymes, chaperones, and transporters. In metazoa, mitochondria are central to the process of programmed cell death or apoptosis, releasing several of proapoptotic molecules such as cytochrome c in response to a number of different apoptotic signals, including the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. DNA replication, recombination, and repair would require participation of a large number of proteins in these complex processes. Mitochondrial translation machinery is necessary for the synthesis of three proteins encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

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