Any cel of the body can be affected by a mitochondrial cytopathy. Why, however, are the cells with the highest metabolic rates the most severely affected?
2007-02-05 12:15:26 · 3 answers · asked by chaunceyd06 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. Cells with high metabolic rates, such as muscle cells, have the most number of mitochondria.
2007-02-05 12:18:56 · answer #1 · answered by citrus punch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is because they place the largest demand on the mitochondria. If the mitochondria are not working, it is the cells that are the most dependent on a large ATP supply that are going to be the first to "feel" the effects of a lack of available energy due to the malfunctioning mitochondria. For example, look up "ragged red fiber" disease and you will see that it predominantly effects skeletal muscle.
2007-02-05 12:20:46 · answer #2 · answered by Bauercvhs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cytopathy
2016-11-13 20:24:34 · answer #3 · answered by farrior 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋