The isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle

Procedures for the isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle have been investigated in an attempt to determine the extent and to identify the causes of deterioration associated with isolation. In the light of the results obtained isolation procedures have been improved by minimising mechanical damage, avoiding the development of anoxic conditions, and by the use of an isolation medium of a more physiological nature, containing the potassium salt of an organic anion as the principal osmoeffector, phosphate as the principal buffer, and low concentrations of free Mg2+. The oxidative capacity of mitochondria isolated by the improved method is adequate to support the in vivo requirements of the flight system.