Mitochondria are important organelles within cells and are often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell.” They play a crucial role in cellular health and longevity, as they are involved in the fundamental processes that provide cells with energy, enable repair, and allow them to function efficiently.
- Energy production (ATP production): Converts food and oxygen into energy that cells can use.
- Regulation of metabolism: Involved in the utilisation of fats, glucose, and other nutrients.
- Regulation of cell death (apoptosis): Helps remove damaged cells.
- Control of oxidative stress: Plays a role in managing free radicals.
- Anti-ageing processes: Contributes to mechanisms associated with healthy ageing.
- If mitochondria function well: cells remain strong and overall longevity may improve.
- If mitochondrial function declines: it may lead to
- chronic fatigue
- brain fog
- impaired metabolism
- accelerated cellular ageing
- certain chronic diseases
Functions of mitochondria
1. Cellular energy production (ATP production)
Mitochondria generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency used by cells. ATP powers:
muscle contraction
brain function
cell division
the functioning of various organs
When mitochondria function effectively, cells have sufficient energy, contributing to overall vitality.
2. Regulation of metabolism
Mitochondria play a central role in:
fat metabolism
glucose metabolism
energy production from nutrients
Healthy mitochondrial function is therefore closely linked to metabolic health, including:
weight regulation
reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome commonly includes several factors such as:
abdominal obesity
high blood pressure
elevated blood glucose or insulin resistance
high triglycerides
low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of:
cardiovascular disease
type 2 diabetes
fatty liver disease
chronic inflammation
3. Regulation of cell death (apoptosis)
Mitochondria play a key role in programmed cell death (apoptosis).
This process is essential to:
remove damaged cells
reduce the risk of cancer
maintain tissue balance
4. Production and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
ROS have a dual role:
At appropriate levels: they assist in cellular signalling.
At high levels: they cause oxidative stress, which can damage cells and accelerate ageing.
Note: ROS are highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules generated during cellular metabolism. In balanced amounts they support cellular functions, but excessive levels can damage cells and accelerate the ageing process.
5. Regulation of inflammation and immunity
Mitochondria are involved in:
cellular signalling
immune responses
inflammatory pathways
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked with:
chronic inflammation
neurodegenerative diseases
metabolic disorders
6. Relationship with longevity
Mitochondrial health is central to healthy ageing. When mitochondria function well, they help to:
enhance cellular resilience and adaptability
reduce oxidative stress
stimulate autophagy (the removal and recycling of damaged cellular components)
promote mitophagy (the removal of damaged mitochondria)
support sirtuin and NAD⁺ pathways
All of these are closely associated with longevity biology.
Factors that support healthy mitochondria function
regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise and resistance training
good quality sleep
intermittent fasting or periods of controlled caloric intake
Nutrients that may support mitochondrial function
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
magnesium
NAD⁺
resveratrol
Summary
Mitochondrial function is at the heart of cellular energy production.
When mitochondria function efficiently, cells remain healthy, the body maintains energy, and overall health and longevity are better supported.
Dr. Apakorn Poltian
Medical Technologist
References
1.Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Morgan, D., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2022).The molecular biology of the cell (7th ed.). Garland Science.
2.Nelson, D. L., & Cox, M. M. (2021).Lehninger principles of biochemistry (8th ed.). W.H. Freeman.
3.Sun, N., Youle, R. J., & Finkel, T. (2016).The mitochondrial basis of aging. Molecular Cell, 61(5), 654–666.
4.Wallace, D. C. (2005).A mitochondrial paradigm of metabolic and degenerative diseases, aging, and cancer: A dawn for evolutionary medicine. Annual Review of Genetics, 39, 359–407.
5. Nunnari, J., & Suomalainen, A. (2012).Mitochondria: In sickness and in health. Cell, 148(6), 1145–1159.
