The hundreds of mitochondria present in every cell are responsible for generating the chemical energy store molecule adenosine triphosphate to power cell processes. Dysfunction in the mitochondrial population is characteristic of aging and thought to be a meaningful contribution to loss of tissue function. This dysfunction arises in part because the quality control mechanisms that cull damaged mitochondria become less effective. When functioning correctly, the processes of mitophagy identify and flag damaged mitochondria, which are then conducted to a lysosome, engulfed, and broken down. The remaining mitochondria replicate to make up their numbers. M…
Arguing for Exercise to Slow Muscle Aging via Improved Mitophagy
The hundreds of mitochondria present in every cell are responsible for generating the chemical energy store molecule adenosine triphosphate to power cell processes. Dysfunction in the mitochondrial population is characteristic of aging and thought to be a meaningful contribution to loss of tissue function. This dysfunction arises in part because the quality control mechanisms that cull damaged mitochondria become less effective. When functioning correctly, the processes of mitophagy identify and flag damaged mitochondria, which are then conducted to a lysosome, engulfed, and broken down. The remaining mitochondria replicate to make up their numbers. M…