Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Ratiometric Biosensors that Measure Mitochondrial Redox State and ATP in Living Yeast Cells
Published on: July 22, 2013
The role of oxidative damage in mitochondria during aging: a review
1Center for Demographic Studies, Duke University, 2117 Campus Drive Box 90408, Durham, NC 27708, USA. hhai@cds.duke.edu
Abstract:
Aging is a complex process (or series of processes). Recent evidence suggests that several of its most important mechanisms are linked by means of cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative damage may be a major factor in the loss of physiological functions that occur in degenerative diseases and aging. This is because, in aerobic organisms, the mitochondrial electron transport chain plays an important role in energy production and is a significant source of ROS that damage DNA, RNA, and proteins in cells. While oxidative events in other cell organelles are likely to contribute to the pathobiology of aging, this review highlights alterations in mitochondrial function that, due to accumulated oxidative damage, occur with age.
Related Concept Videos
Mitochondria
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Mitochondrial Membranes
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
