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How does mitochondria work in photosynthesis?

Published in Photosynthesis & Mitochondria 1 min read

Mitochondria play a supportive, but indirect, role in photosynthesis within photosynthetic tissues. They don't directly capture light or fix carbon dioxide.

While the main energy production in photosynthesis happens in chloroplasts, mitochondria contribute significantly by performing several key functions:

  • Metabolite Exchange: Mitochondria catalyze the exchange of malate and citrate. This exchange helps in the balance of key molecules.

    • Malate: Involved in shuttling reducing equivalents (electrons) between different cellular compartments.
    • Citrate: Can be transported to the cytosol and broken down to provide carbon skeletons for biosynthesis.
  • Maintaining Balance: Mitochondria contribute to balancing adenylates (ATP, ADP, AMP), NAD, and NADP in the cytosol and other cell compartments. This balance is crucial for energy regulation and redox homeostasis during photosynthesis.

  • Enzyme Operation: Mitochondria drive the operation of cytochrome P450 and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2ODD). These enzymes are involved in various metabolic processes.

In essence, mitochondria in photosynthetic tissues act as metabolic hubs, supporting photosynthetic efficiency by managing key biochemical processes that are interconnected with chloroplast function.