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Mitochondria are structures within cells that convert the energy from food into a form that cells can use. Each cell contains hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, which are located in the fluid that surrounds the nucleus (the cytoplasm). Although most DNA is packaged in chromosomes within the nucleus, mitochondria also have a small amount of their own DNA. This genetic material is known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA. In humans, mitochondrial DNA spans about 16,500 DNA building blocks (base pairs), representing a small fraction of the total DNA in cells.

Beskrivning

Mitochondria are structures within cells that convert the energy from food into a form that cells can use. Each cell contains hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, which are located in the fluid that surrounds the nucleus (the cytoplasm). Although most DNA is packaged in chromosomes within the nucleus, mitochondria also have a small amount of their own DNA. This genetic material is known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA. In humans, mitochondrial DNA spans about 16,500 DNA building blocks (base pairs), representing a small fraction of the total DNA in cells.

Mitochondrial DNA contains 37 genes, all of which are essential for normal mitochondrial function. Thirteen of these genes provide instructions for making enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidative phosphorylation is a process that uses oxygen and simple sugars to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy source. The remaining genes provide instructions for making molecules called transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which are chemical cousins of DNA. These types of RNA help assemble protein building blocks (amino acids) into functioning proteins.

Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome

Related patient information and medicines

Cyklist kräkssyndrom

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Cyklist kräkssyndrom

Cyklist kräkssyndrom is a condition which occurs mainly in children but can also affect adults. It is more common in people who have migraines. The relationship between cyclical vomiting syndrome and migraines is well recognised. Some studies have suggested a link between cyclical vomiting syndrome and autonomic disturbances or mitochondrial.

Muskelsvaghet

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Muskelsvaghet

Other rare causes : Direct... Examples include: Glycogen storage diseases (in which glycogen, a carbohydrate, infiltrates muscles as well as other organs). Even rarer, mitochondrial diseases which occur when the energy systems inside muscle cells don't work properly. Myotonic dystrophy : This is a rare genetic muscle disorder in which muscles.

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Orsaker till cancer

Different parts of the body such as organs, bones, muscles, skin and blood are made up from different specialised cells. Most cells have a centre called a nucleus. The nucleus in each cell contains thousands of genes which are made up from a chemical called DNA. The genes are like codes which control the functions of the cell. For example,.

Genetisk testning

Patient information leaflet

Genetisk testning

Genetisk testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins. Genetic tests examine a person's DNA in a variety of ways to assess a person's genetic health. They are all designed to identify a particular gene that may cause a genetic disorder. We all have 46 chromosomes in our cells. Chromosomes are made from.

Åldrande

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Åldrande

Ageing (also spelt aging) is the process of becoming older. This happens continually throughout life. The change that comes with age (the ageing process) is due to complex goings on inside the body. This is not yet fully understood, but some of the many mechanisms that seem... At some point they reach a stage when they stop dividing, called.

Narkolepsi och kataplexi

Patient information leaflet

Narkolepsi och kataplexi

It has been suggested that narcolepsy with cataplexy is a type of autoimmune disease. In narcolepsy these antibodies damage cells in the ... Hypocretin is a neurotransmitter which helps control your sleep-wake cycle. It has also been suggested that other things such as a virus may trigger the damage to hypocretin-producing cells in people who have.

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Artikelhistorik

Informationen på denna sida är skriven och granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.
  • 19 jul 2023 | Senaste versionen
  • 1 Oct 2017 | Ursprungligen publicerad

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