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Structure of the Hydrogenosome

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Hydrogenosomes and Mitosomes: Mitochondria of Anaerobic Eukaryotes

Part of the book series: Microbiology Monographs ((MICROMONO,volume 9))

Abstract

Hydrogenosomes are very interesting organelles found in nonmitochondrial organisms. They display similarities and differences with mitochondria. Hydrogenosomes are spherical or slightly elongated organelles, although very elongated hydrogenosomes are also found. They measure between 200 and 1 000 nm, but under stress conditions can reach 2 μm. Hydrogenosomes divide in three different ways, like mitochondria: segmentation, partition, and the heart form. They may divide at any phase of the cell cycle. Nucleoid or electron-dense deposits are not considered part of the normal structure of the hydrogenosome. Hydrogenosomes are surrounded by two closely apposed membranes and present a granular matrix. Hydrogenosomes have one or multiple peripheral vesicles, which incorporate calcium. The peripheral vesicle can be isolated from the hydrogenosomal matrix and is considered a distinct hydrogenosomal compartment. Dysfunctional hydrogenosomes are removed by an autophagic process and further digested in lysosomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Santa Úrsula, Rua Jornalista Orlando Dantas 59, CEP 222-31-010, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Marlene Benchimol

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  1. Marlene Benchimol
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Correspondence to Marlene Benchimol .

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Jan Tachezy

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© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Benchimol, M. (2007). Structure of the Hydrogenosome. In: Tachezy, J. (eds) Hydrogenosomes and Mitosomes: Mitochondria of Anaerobic Eukaryotes. Microbiology Monographs, vol 9. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7171_2007_104

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