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Mitochondrial Membranes

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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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Porin Insertion in the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane

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Binary Fission

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Studying Mitochondrial Structure and Function in Drosophila Ovaries

Studying Mitochondrial Structure and Function in Drosophila Ovaries

Published on: January 4, 2017

Mitochondrial double membrane fission: A mystery solved?

Benedikt Westermann¹

¹Zellbiologie, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.

The Journal of Cell Biology

|September 1, 2023

Summary

Researchers discovered a key protein in the mitochondrial intermembrane space essential for dividing the organelle's double membrane. This finding resolves a long-standing question about mitochondrial division mechanisms.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Mitochondrial Biology
Organelle Dynamics

Background:

Mitochondrial division is vital for cellular function and homeostasis.
The precise mechanisms coordinating outer and inner mitochondrial membrane division remain incompletely understood.
The role of the mitochondrial intermembrane space in division has been a key question.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the molecular players involved in mitochondrial double membrane division.
To elucidate the function of proteins localized to the mitochondrial intermembrane space in organelle division.

Main Methods:

Utilized genetic and biochemical approaches in yeast and mammalian cells.
Investigated the localization and function of novel intermembrane space proteins.

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Studying Mitochondrial Structure and Function in Drosophila Ovaries

Studying Mitochondrial Structure and Function in Drosophila Ovaries

Published on: January 4, 2017

A Model Membrane Platform for Reconstituting Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics

A Model Membrane Platform for Reconstituting Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics

Published on: September 2, 2020

Using Scaffold Liposomes to Reconstitute Lipid-proximal Protein-protein Interactions In Vitro

Using Scaffold Liposomes to Reconstitute Lipid-proximal Protein-protein Interactions In Vitro

Published on: January 11, 2017

Performed live-cell imaging to observe mitochondrial division dynamics.

Main Results:

Identified a novel mitochondrial intermembrane space protein critical for coordinating outer and inner membrane scission.
Demonstrated that this protein acts as a bridge between the division machinery on the mitochondrial surface and internal factors.
Showcased the essential role of intermembrane space proteins in ensuring faithful mitochondrial division.

Conclusions:

The mitochondrial intermembrane space harbors crucial factors that actively participate in organelle division.
Mitochondrial division requires coordinated action between external and internal components.
This discovery provides new insights into the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and organelle biogenesis.