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Mitochondrial Membranes

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,...

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria. In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 9, 2016

Electron microscopic analysis of a spherical mitochondrial structure.

Wen-Xing Ding¹, Min Li, Joanna M Biazik

¹Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA. wxding@kumc.edu

The Journal of Biological Chemistry

|October 25, 2012

Summary

Researchers discovered a novel mitochondrial structure, termed mitochondrial spheroids, which engulf cytosolic components. These structures appear to form in response to oxidative damage, representing a new aspect of mitochondrial dynamics.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 9, 2016

Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging by Correlative Light and Volume Electron Microscopy

Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging by Correlative Light and Volume Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 20, 2019

Visualization of ATP Synthase Dimers in Mitochondria by Electron Cryo-tomography

Visualization of ATP Synthase Dimers in Mitochondria by Electron Cryo-tomography

Published on: September 14, 2014

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Mitochondrial Biology
Structural Biology

Background:

Mitochondria exhibit dynamic structural changes essential for cellular homeostasis.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending cellular health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate novel structural alterations in mitochondria.
To characterize a newly observed mitochondrial morphology.

Main Methods:

Conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of murine embryonic fibroblasts.
Treatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a mitochondrial uncoupler.
Serial sectioning and electron tomographic reconstruction.

Main Results:

Over 50% of CCCP-treated mitochondria displayed ring-shaped or C-shaped morphologies.
A novel structure, termed mitochondrial spheroids, was identified, characterized by an internal lumen containing cytosolic components.
These spheroids feature an opening connecting the lumen to the external cytoplasm.
Inner and outer membranes, matrix, and cristae were retained but unevenly distributed.

Conclusions:

Mitochondrial spheroids represent a previously undescribed mitochondrial structure and dynamic process.
Their formation appears to be a response to oxidative mitochondrial damage, independent of mitophagy.
This finding expands our understanding of mitochondrial structural plasticity and cellular responses to stress.