Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

LC-MS Analysis of Human Platelets as a Platform for Studying Mitochondrial Metabolism
Published on: April 4, 2016
Calcium-dependent release of acetyl-coenzyme A from liver mitochondria
Abstract:
Calcium ions (10 microM) enhance the permeability of the hepatic inner mitochondrial membrane to acetyl-CoA (and CoA). This effect is suppressed by the absence of phosphate ions or by the presence of EGTA, La3+, or ruthenium red. Exposure of mitochondria to Ca2+ for short intervals of time (e.g., 10 min) results in a reversible permeability change with release of acetyl-CoA and retention of sensitivity to EGTA. It is suggested that conditions resulting in an increase of the calcium ion concentration in the cytoplasm may thereby increase the rate of transfer of acetyl-CoA from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm.
Related Concept Videos
Pyruvate Oxidation
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
The Citric Acid Cycle
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.

