Debra BakerDepartment of Biology

West Chester University

Journal Article Upon Which this Presentation is Based….

Import of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM)

into rat liver mitochondria stimulates transcription of

mitochondrial DNA

AuthorsHeike L. Garstka,1

Wolfgang E. Schmitt,1

Jeanette Schultz,1 Bettina Sogl,1

Barbara Silakowski,2

Acisclo Pérez-Martos,3 Julio Montoya,3

Rudolf J. Wiesner

Endosymbiosis Theory

Cross-section of Mitochondrion

The human mitochondrial genome is only 16.6kb and among the smallest.

The circular chromosome was sequenced by Sanger's team in 1981

Technique Used in Study

Immunoblotting aka Western Blot

Proteinase K-deactivates nucleases and contaminating proteins and protects DNA and RNA

Triton X-100- surfactant, breaks down membranes.

Carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone(CCCP) –” causes an uncoupling of the proton

gradient that is established during the normal activity of electron carriers in the electron transport chain.”

Background Info

Wt-TFAM

∆C-25-TFAM

Wt-TFAM is the wild type

∆C-25-TFAM is, “A truncated version of TFAM (DC-25-TFAM) was produced lacking 25 amino acids.”

Hypothyroid Rats (Levels 1.5-4X higher than Euthryoid)

With ∆C-25-TFAM

Essential for in vitro models Controls the rate of transcription Does not follow the in vitro pattern when

observed in organelle.