Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Simultaneous Measurement of Superoxide/Hydrogen Peroxide and NADH Production by Flavin-containing Mitochondrial Dehydrogenases
08:57

Simultaneous Measurement of Superoxide/Hydrogen Peroxide and NADH Production by Flavin-containing Mitochondrial Dehydrogenases

Published on: February 24, 2018

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in yeast mitochondria - a general phenomenon

Trayana S Nedeva1, Ventzislava Y Petrova, Daniela R Zamfirova

  • 1Department of General and Industrial Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, The Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|January 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were studied in yeast mitochondria. A specific Cu/Zn SOD profile was found in all tested yeast strains, suggesting its widespread presence in mitochondria.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a crucial enzyme in cellular defense against oxidative stress.
  • Mitochondria are key organelles involved in cellular respiration and are susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • Understanding SOD localization in yeast mitochondria is important for comprehending cellular antioxidant mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mitochondrial localization of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) in various yeast genera.
  • To determine if Cu/Zn SOD exhibits a characteristic profile within yeast mitochondria.
  • To explore the potential migration of cytosolic Cu/Zn SOD into mitochondria.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of pure mitochondrial fractions from fermentative and respiratory yeast strains (Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Pichia, Candida, Hansenula).
  • Measurement of specific activities for Cu/Zn SOD and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) in mitochondrial fractions and cell-free extracts.
  • Calculation of the Cu/Zn SOD: Mn SOD ratio as a characteristic marker.
  • Electrophoretical analysis of SOD patterns to visualize enzyme profiles.

Main Results:

  • A distinct Cu/Zn SOD profile was identified in the mitochondria of all tested yeast strains.
  • The Cu/Zn SOD: Mn SOD ratio served as a specific characteristic across different strains.
  • Electrophoresis suggested the potential for cytosolic Cu/Zn SOD to migrate into mitochondria.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides evidence for the ubiquitous presence of a characteristic Cu/Zn SOD profile in the mitochondria of fermentative and respiratory yeasts.
  • Mitochondrial Cu/Zn SOD may originate from cytosolic pools, highlighting a dynamic enzyme localization.
  • Findings contribute to the understanding of antioxidant defense mechanisms in yeast at the organelle level.

More Related Videos

Ratiometric Biosensors that Measure Mitochondrial Redox State and ATP in Living Yeast Cells12:22

Ratiometric Biosensors that Measure Mitochondrial Redox State and ATP in Living Yeast Cells

Published on: July 22, 2013

Imaging of mtHyPer7, a Ratiometric Biosensor for Mitochondrial Peroxide, in Living Yeast Cells09:47

Imaging of mtHyPer7, a Ratiometric Biosensor for Mitochondrial Peroxide, in Living Yeast Cells

Published on: June 2, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV01:43

Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV

During the electron transport chain, electrons from NADH and FADH2 are first transferred to complexes I and II, respectively. These two complexes then transfer the electrons to ubiquinol, which carries them further to complex III. Complex III passes the electrons across the intermembrane space to Cyt c, which carries them further to complex IV. Complex IV donates electrons to oxygen and reduces it to water. As electrons pass through complexes I, III, and IV, the energy released aids the pumping...
The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane01:41

The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane

The mitochondrial cristae membrane is the primary site for the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process of energy conversion mediated through respiratory complexes I to V. These complexes have been widely studied for decades, and it has been proven that they form supramolecular structures called respiratory supercomplexes (SC). These higher-order complexes may be crucial in maintaining the biochemical structure and improving the physiological activity of the individual complexes while...
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
Peroxisomes01:30

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are two important oxygen-utilizing organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration—the process that converts energy from food into ATP. Peroxisomes carry out a variety of functions, primarily breaking down different substances, such as fatty acids.The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within peroxisomes...
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...