Mitochondria, Reactive Oxygen Species and Apoptosis / 生物化学与生物物理进展

Mitochondria are involved not only in energy metabolism but also in free radical metabolism. Superoxide anion can be generated through a way of electron leak of respiratory chain and the reactive oxygen species (ROS ) can be formed in the further reactions of O2* in mitochondria. The role of mitochondria in anti-oxidant functions and cell apoptosis is discu ssed in terms of electron leak of respiratory chain, uncoupling of oxidative pho sphorelation, mitochondrial pore, Box- or/and PTP-mediated release of cytochro me c from mitochondria and so on. The signaling act of ROS is emphasized in the regulation of cell apoptosis.