Medicina Molecular e Genética

Cellular Energy Production and Various Metabolic Processes

Abstract

Jon Extance

Mitochondria, often referred of the cell, play a pivotal role in cellular energy production and various metabolic processes. These tiny organelles have their own genetic material, distinct from the nuclear genome, and are inherited exclusively from the mother. Mitochondrial genetic variation has garnered increasing attention in the context of precision medicine, a rapidly evolving field that tailors medical treatments and interventions to individual characteristics. In this article, we will explore the significance of mitochondrial genetic variation, its potential implications for precision medicine, current challenges, and the promising avenues for further research and characterization. Mitochondria are responsible for generating adenosine triphosphate the cell's primary energy currency. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can disrupt this process, leading to various metabolic and energy-related disorders. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders caused by mutations in mtDNA.