Mitochondria are eukaryotic organelles of endosymbiotic origin that contain their own genetic material, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and dedicated systems for mtDNA maintenance and expression. MtDNA molecules encode a limited number of proteins that are nevertheless all essential subunits of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. Here, we describe protocols to monitor DNA and RNA synthesis in intact, isolated mitochondria. These in organello synthesis protocols are valuable techniques for studying the mechanisms and regulation of mtDNA maintenance and expression.
Keywords: Mitochondria; Radioactive labeling of nucleic acids; in organello replication and transcription; mtDNA; mtDNA maintenance and expression.
© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.