Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 3-1-2019
Department
Biology
Department
Biology
Abstract
The electron transport systems in mitochondria of many organisms contain alternative respiratory enzymes distinct from those of the canonical respiratory system depicted in textbooks. Two of these enzymes, the alternative NADH dehydrogenase and the alternative oxidase, were of interest to a limited circle of researchers until they were envisioned as gene therapy tools for mitochondrial disease treatment. Recently, these enzymes were discovered in several animals. Here, we analyse the functioning of alternative NADH dehydrogenases and oxidases in different organisms. We propose that both enzymes ensure bioenergetic and metabolic flexibility during environmental transitions or other conditions which may compromise the operation of the canonical respiratory system.
The electron transport systems in mitochondria of many organisms contain alternative respiratory enzymes distinct from those of the canonical respiratory system depicted in textbooks. Two of these enzymes, the alternative NADH dehydrogenase and the alternative oxidase, were of interest to a limited circle of researchers until they were envisioned as gene therapy tools for mitochondrial disease treatment. Recently, these enzymes were discovered in several animals. Here, we analyse the functioning of alternative NADH dehydrogenases and oxidases in different organisms. We propose that both enzymes ensure bioenergetic and metabolic flexibility during environmental transitions or other conditions which may compromise the operation of the canonical respiratory system.
Recommended Citation
McDonald, Allison and Gospodaryov, Dmytro V., "Alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenase and alternative oxidase: proposed physiological roles in animals" (2019). Biology Faculty Publications. 84.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/biol_faculty/84
Included in
Biochemistry Commons, Biology Commons, Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Commons, Zoology Commons
Comments
This is the draft version of the article. The published article appears in the journal Mitochondrion.