Mitochondrial metabolism in animal cells principally acts to generate ATP. The first step in mitochondrial metabolism is the transport of pyruvate, the product of glycolysis, from the cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix. This process is facilitated by specific transporters located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Once inside the matrix, pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. Acetyl-CoA is a crucial entry point for various metabolic pathways in the mitochondria. One of the key pathways in mitochondrial metabolism is the citric acid cycle, also known as the TCA or Krebs cycle, which takes place in the mitochondrial matrix and is responsible for the complete oxidation of acetyl-CoA to carbon dioxide. During each turn of the TCA cycle, acetyl-CoA combines with a four-carbon molecule called oxaloacetate to form citrate. Through a series of enzyme-catalysed reactions, citrate is sequentially converted back to oxaloacetate, releasing two molecules of carbon dioxide in the process. Additionally, NADH and FADH2, two critical high-energy electron carriers, are produced.The next crucial step in mitochondrial metabolism is oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process involves the electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase. NADH and FADH2 generated from glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation donate electrons to the ETC. These electrons pass through protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a flow of protons across the membrane and establishing a proton gradient. ATP synthase, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, utilizes this proton gradient to convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP. This process, known as chemiosmotic coupling, efficiently generates a large amount of ATP compared to other metabolic pathways. Aside from ATP production, mitochondria also play a critical role in regulating apoptosis. Mitochondria release pro-apoptotic factors, such as cytochrome c, into the cytoplasm, triggering a cascade of events that lead to cell death of damaged or unwanted cells.Mitochondria are also involved in calcium signalling, sequestering, and releasing calcium ions, thereby acting as calcium buffers in the cytoplasm and contributing to the regulation of various cellular processes, including muscle contraction. Mitochondrial metabolism is crucial for providing the energy needed for cellular processes, such as cell division, growth, and maintenance. It is especially vital in tissues with high energy demands, such as muscle cells and neurons. Any dysfunction or impairment in mitochondrial metabolism can lead to severe consequences and is associated with a range of human diseases. Thus, mutations in mitochondrial DNA or defects in enzymes involved in mitochondrial metabolism can lead to a range of mitochondrial diseases. These conditions often affect organs and tissues with high energy demands and can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, neurological problems, and organ dysfunction. Thus, mitochondrial metabolism is a vital process in animal cells, ensuring the production of ATP and regulating various biosynthetic pathways. The efficient generation of energy through oxidative phosphorylation and beta-oxidation is critical for the proper functioning of tissues and organs, with mitochondrial dysfunction leading to a range of diseases and conditions. We offer a wide product range of research tools for investigating mitochondrial metabolism, including Bcl-2 antibodies, Prohibitin antibodies, Cytochrome C antibodies, Glutathione Peroxidase 1 ELISA Kits, and Bcl-2 ELISA Kits. Explore our full mitochondrial metabolism product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Mitochondrial Markers, Oxidative Phosphorylation, and Cytochromes product ranges.