Science Quickly Do Mitochondria Talk to Each Other? A New Look at the Cell’s Powerhouse
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May 21, 2025 Martin Picard, an associate professor at Columbia University and a leading voice in mitochondrial research, joins Rachel Feltman to discuss the intriguing complexity of mitochondria. They explore how these tiny organelles communicate, potentially affecting metabolism and mental health. The conversation touches on how exercise enhances mitochondrial interactions and links metabolic processes to mental health disorders. Additionally, they reflect on the historical challenges in mitochondrial science and the importance of perseverance in research.
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Mitochondria as Cellular Batteries
- Mitochondria transform food and oxygen into a flexible electrical charge called membrane potential.
- They act like tiny batteries powering nearly all cellular functions and processes.
Mitochondrial Communication via Cristae
- Mitochondria share information physically by aligning their internal structures called cristae.
- This suggests mitochondria communicate rather than function as isolated powerhouses.
Electromagnetic Fields in Mitochondria
- Mitochondria may organize via electromagnetic fields allowing rapid information exchange.
- This challenges the molecular deterministic model dominating biology and suggests a collective behavior in cells.
