Mitochondrial Health

Mitochondria evolved from aerobic bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells over 1.5 billion years ago. This symbiotic event was a pivotal moment in the evolution of complex life, providing cells with a powerful new way to generate energy.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited exclusively from the mother. Unlike nuclear DNA, which is a mix from both parents, mtDNA passes down the maternal line, making it a powerful tool for tracing ancestry and understanding inherited metabolic traits.

Mitochondria are the primary producers of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of the cell. This process, called oxidative phosphorylation, fuels everything from muscle contraction to nerve impulses, highlighting their central role in our vitality.