Mitochondria - powerhouses with their own genome

All organisms require energy to survive, and the primary energy carrier in biological processes is ATP. Every cell in the human body contains organelles known as mitochondria, which are specialized for ATP production. In addition to the cell nucleus, mitochondria are the only organelles in animal cells, including human cells, that contain their own genome, known as the mitochondrial genome. This genome encodes a small number of genes compared to the nuclear genome, but each of these genes is vital for human life. Extensive research has demonstrated that mitochondrial function is closely linked to various biological processes, including aging, cell death, and the innate immune response. Mutations in the mitochondrial genome or abnormalities in its copy number can lead to conditions known as human mitochondrial diseases.

The meeting will consist of a practical part and a short lecture. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics about mitochondria and the mitochondrial genome (DNA). During the practical part, attendees will gain hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques, conduct their own experiments to explore the variability of the mitochondrial genome, and observe mitochondria using fluorescence microscopy.