Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Purification of Mitochondria from Yeast Cells
Published on: August 24, 2009
Connect and Conquer: Collectivized Behavior of Mitochondria and Bacteria
Catrin F Williams1, Christopher H George2
1School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The connectedness of signaling components in network structures is a universal feature of biologic information processing. Such organization enables the transduction of complex input stimuli into coherent outputs and is essential in modulating activities as diverse as the cooperation of bacteria within populations and the dynamic organization of mitochondria within cells. Here, we highlight some common principles that underpin collectivization in bacteria and mitochondrial populations and the advantages conferred by such behavior. We discuss the concept that bacteria and mitochondria act as signal transducers of their localized metabolic environments to bring about energy-dependent clustering to modulate higher-order function across multiple scales.
Related Concept Videos
Peroxisomes and Mitochondria
The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within...
Mitochondria
Dietary Connections
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,...
What is Behavior?
Functions of Connective Tissues
Hard connective tissues, such as bones and cartilage, provide structure and support to the body.

