Lecture 01

• What is the primary role of mitochondria?

  Generate ATP via proton gradient
• How do mitochondria generate ATP?

  By using a proton gradient from electron transport
• What is the significance of alpha keto acids in metabolism?

  They synthesise non-essential alpha amino acids
• What metabolic pathways are linked in mitochondrial function?

  TCA cycle, glycolysis, and urea cycle
• What are the side effects of drugs on mitochondrial metabolism?

  They can disrupt mitochondrial function and metabolism
• How do diets and exercise affect mitochondria?

  They influence mitochondrial function and metabolism
• What is a key feature of uncouplers in mitochondria?

  They dissipate the proton gradient
• What is the effect of dinitrophenol on mitochondria?

  It uncouples oxidative phosphorylation
• What are the consequences of using dinitrophenol as a drug?

  Patients lost weight but faced severe side effects
• What is AZT used for?

  It is the first anti-AIDS drug
• How does AZT affect mitochondrial function?

  It inhibits mitochondrial DNA polymerase
• What is the effect of dichlofenac on mitochondria?

  It is a common OTC analgesic
• How do uncouplers affect body temperature?

  They increase body temperature
• What is the EC50 of Tolcapone?

  3.6 μMolar
• Why is testing mitochondrial function important in drug development?

  To identify and remove mitochondrial toxins early
• What are the main components of the electron transport chain in mitochondria?

  • NADH Dehydrogenase
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase
  • Cytochrome c Reductase
  • Cytochrome c Oxidase
• What are the pathologies associated with mitochondrial transporters?

  • Pyruvate/H+ transporter issues
  • Changes in protein phosphorylation in diabetes
  • Metabolic changes in cardiac mitochondria
• What are the effects of uncoupling agents on mitochondrial function?

  • Dissipate proton gradient
  • Increase body temperature
  • Affect ATP synthesis
• What are the side effects of drugs like Tolcapone and Entacapone on mitochondrial function?

  • Mild uncoupling effects
  • Changes in body temperature
  • Structural similarities to dinitrophenol
• What is the significance of the proton gradient in mitochondria?

  • Drives ATP synthesis
  • Maintains mitochondrial membrane potential
  • Essential for oxidative phosphorylation
• What is the role of the inner mitochondrial membrane?

  • Site of electron transport
  • ATP synthesis occurs here
  • Contains transporters for nutrients