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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Imaging Ca2+ Dynamics in Cone Photoreceptor Axon Terminals of the Mouse Retina
Published on: May 6, 2015
The structure-function correlates of mammalian rod and cone photoreceptor mitochondria: observations and unanswered
Guy A Perkins1, Mark H Ellisman, Donald A Fox
1Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0608, USA.
Abstract:
Our previous work suggests that cone photoreceptor inner segment (CIS) mitochondria demand and produce more ATP than rods. The CISs utilize two complimentary strategies to increase ATP production: increase the absolute number of mitochondria and their cristae surface membrane area. In this treatise, we ask: How are crista junctions formed and regulated? Once formed, are there physical mechanisms that constrain their diameter? How are the constrictions in cristae regulated and is this key for cytochrome c release during apoptosis? What are their differences in rod and cone susceptibility to apoptotic cell death during calcium overload and oxidative stress?
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