The alternative oxidase reconfigures the larval mitochondrial electron transport system to accelerate growth and development in .

The alternative oxidase (AOX) is naturally present in the mitochondrial electron transfer system (ETS) of many organisms but absent in vertebrates and most insects. AOX oxidizes coenzyme Q and reduces O in HO, partially replacing the ETS cytochrome c segment and alleviating the oxidative stress caused by ETS overload. As successfully demonstrated in animal models, AOX shows potential in mitigating mitochondrial diseases.