New Video Posted: Understanding Mitochondrial DNA: Structure, Function, and Disease

In this video - Understanding Mitochondrial DNA: Structure, Function, and Disease - I look at the mitochondria's circular DNA that contains 37 genes. I discuss how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differs from nuclear DNA and can exhibit either homoplasmy or heteroplasmy. I then discuss how mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited and not synchronised with cell division, leading to unique genetic traits and potential mitochondrial diseases that predominantly affect high-energy tissues. I wrap up by introducing the idea of how mitochondrial diseases can be treated using "three-parent babies" by replacing the nucleus of a donor egg with one from a mother with mitochondrial disease, effectively substituting the mutated mitochondria.

If you would like to say thanks for the video, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: A free guide giving step-by-step instructions on calculating m and c is available at: - download.

New Video Posted: Understanding the Function of Mitochondria | Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-Winning Work

 In this video - Understanding the Function of Mitochondria | Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-Winning Work - I discuss the function of mitochondria, highlighting Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-winning chemiosmotic theory, which explains how mitochondria generate ATP using an electrochemical gradient across their inner membrane.  

I finish up by highlighting that while the mitochondria can give the cell the energy it needs for life, they also play a role in cell death by releasing factors that trigger apoptosis.

If you would like to say thanks for the video, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

New Video Posted: The History, Structure and Functions of Mitochondria

This video - The History, Structure and Functions of Mitochondria is the first of three on the mitochondria. The other two videos are:

• The History, Structure and Functions of Mitochondria
• Understanding the Function of Mitochondria | Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-Winning Work
• Understanding Mitochondrial DNA: Structure, Function, and Disease

In the video, I examine the history and functions of mitochondria. I start with Rudolf Albert von Kölliker's initial description in 1852 and subsequent naming by Carl Benda in 1898. I explain how these organelles are more than just static power plants of the cell. I highlight the dynamic nature of mitochondria, their ability to form networks, and their crucial roles in energy production and cellular metabolism.

If you would like to say thanks for the video, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

New video posted: Organelles: Targeting Proteins to the Mitochondria

In this video, Organelles: Targeting Proteins to the Mitochondria, I look at how the cell targets proteins to the mitochondria.

Proteins destined for the mitochondria begin their journey in the cell's cytosol, guided by a signal peptide that acts like a "postcode." This signal, located at the N-terminal of the precursor protein, directs the protein to the mitochondria.

The video looks at the role of the Translocase of the Outer Membrane (TOM) and the Translocase of the Inner Membrane (TIM), along with the OXA complex, during the import process and discusses how proteins are targeted to the outer and inner membranes, the intermembrane space and the matrix of the mitochondria.

If you would like to say thanks for the video, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.