Structure and function of the III-IV-cyt supercomplex.

The respiratory chain in aerobic organisms is composed of a number of membrane-bound protein complexes that link electron transfer to proton translocation across the membrane. In mitochondria, the final electron acceptor, complex IV (CIV), receives electrons from dimeric complex III (CIII), via a mobile electron carrier, cytochrome . In the present study, we isolated the CIIICIV supercomplex from the fission yeast and determined its structure with bound cyt.

Protein import in mitochondria biogenesis: guided by targeting signals and sustained by dedicated chaperones.

Mitochondria have a central role in cellular metabolism; they are responsible for the biosynthesis of amino acids, lipids, iron-sulphur clusters and regulate apoptosis. About 99% of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, so the biogenesis of mitochondria heavily depends on protein import pathways into the organelle. An intricate system of well-studied import machinery facilitates the import of mitochondrial proteins.