The Mitochondria Theory

Every living creature...plants...animals...human beings....bloodvamps...psivamps, and beyond...is composed of biological building blocks called "cells". Cells reproduce and multiply, using DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as a genetic bluprint that tells them what tissues, organs, and organisms to create. By whatever standard of beliefe you hold, be it creationism, evolution, or decisively "other" one has to be amazed at how perfectly our cells work to support themselves, and seemingly could go on forever. The focus of this theory, however, is aimed towards the mitochondria.

["Every cell of the body contains many tiny organelles called mitochondria . These mitochondria produce most of the energy used by the body. Cells with a high metabolic rate (heart muscle cells) may contain many thousands of mitochondria. Some cells may contain only dozens.

Mitochondrial energy production is a foundation for health and wellbeing. It is necessary for physical strength, stamina and consciousness. Even subtle deficits in mitochondrial function can cause weakness, fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Chemicals which strongly interfere with mitochondrial function are known to be potent poisons. During aging, mitochondrial function may become compromised."]

Basically, the mitochondria supply almost all of the energy to the cell (90%). Without mitochondria there is no life, because, as we all well know, life requires energy!

["Mitochondrial energy production is accomplished by two closely linked metabolic processes. First, the citric acid cycle converts biological fuel (carbohydrates and fatty acids) into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and hydrogen (in the form of NADH and FADH2)for further explanation of NADH and FADH2). Second, the electron transport chain combines hydrogen with oxygen to generate abundant ATP in a highly efficient and tightly controlled manner. Mitochondrial efficiency has been reported to be close to 70%, which compares quite favorably with internal combustion engines (about 10% efficient) or hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells used in spacecraft (approximately 40% efficient). The process of generating ATP with oxygen is called oxidative phosphorylation. This process generates approximately ten times more ATP than the citric acid cycle alone, and generates more ATP than any other energy-producing pathway (e.g., glycolysis). Oxidative phosphorylation is the primary energy process for all aerobic organisms."]



Go on to Mitochondria Theory, Part Two