Mitochondria Research Papers

Mitochondria was first discovered in 1856 by Swiss anatomist Van Kölliker. Dr. Kölliker while he was conducting a study on muscle tissue (Giezen, Page 1). He found these “sacrosomes” which would later become known as mitochondria. When scientist first started discovering mitochondria they were extremely fascinated with all of the various structures of the mitochondria (Giezen, Page 1). Early scientist posted numerous theories of the origin of mitochondria. One of these theories was that specific organelles were bacterial symbionts that had taken up residence inside eukaryotic cells (Giezen, Page 1). After the discovery of mitochondria serious disagreements between scientist contributed to a near fifty year abstinence of conducting studies on mitochondria. Once the fifty year abstinence stopped, research on mitochondria was back hot and heavy. Scientists interest in the mitochondria was still just as big as it used to be when mitochondria was first discovered, and after the break they had the technology to be able to purify the organelles. This cleared the opportunity to conduct functional studies. The discovery and studies of the mitochondria led to many nobel prize winners, such as Dr. Warburg …show more content…
The hummingbirds flight muscles have one of the highest concentration of mitochondria that is known to scientist (Caprette, Page 1). It would be hard for any multicellular organism to exist without the assist of mitochondria. If you take away the ability to remove electrons from the system and the buildup of metabolic end products hold back the utility of anaerobic metabolism (Caprette, Page 1). Mitochondria is usually found to be in excess when you have a cell that use active processes. For instance, in flagellated protozoa or in mammalian sperm, mitochondria gather around the base of the flagellum or flagella (Caprette, Page 1). In cardiac muscle, mitochondria concentrate the contractile