Mitochondrial metabolism is a critical process occurring within cells that involves the generation of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells and are key to energy production, generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidative phosphorylation occurs within the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the electron transport chain (ETC) is located. The ETC consists of a series of protein complexes that act together to transfer electrons from electron donors, such as NADH and FADH2, to oxygen, resulting in the generation of a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This proton gradient is subsequently utilized by the enzyme ATP synthase to produce ATP from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Aside from ATP production, mitochondria also play a crucial role in cell signalling. Mitochondria are critically involved in calcium signalling, which is essential for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and gene expression. Mitochondria have specialized transporters, such as the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), which allow the entry of calcium ions into the mitochondrial matrix. Calcium uptake by mitochondria can subsequently modulate energy production, as it activates several enzymes involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, mitochondrial calcium signalling is linked to the activation of apoptosis, through the release of pro-apoptotic factors from the intermembrane space. Mitochondrial metabolism also intersects with cellular metabolism through the production and utilization of metabolites. For instance, the TCA cycle, which takes place within the mitochondrial matrix, generates high-energy electron carriers, including NADH and FADH2 which are then utilized by the ETC to produce ATP. Additionally, the TCA cycle serves as a hub for the generation of various metabolic intermediates that critical for other metabolic pathways. For example, citrate, an intermediate of the TCA cycle, can be exported from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a substrate for fatty acid synthesis. Mitochondria are also involved in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as by-products of oxidative phosphorylation. ROS, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, can act as signalling molecules in cellular processes. Moderate levels of ROS plays important roles in cell signalling, including the activation of transcription factors and the modulation of cellular redox status. However, excessive ROS production can lead to oxidative stress and damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, which contributes to aging and cancer. Finally, mitochondria play a critical role in the initiation and regulation of apoptosis. Mitochondria release pro-apoptotic factors, such as cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), from the intermembrane space into the cytoplasm, triggering a cascade of events that ultimately lead to cell death. The release of these factors is tightly regulated by Bcl-2 family proteins, which act as key regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis. We offer a comprehensive product range of research tools for investigating mitochondrial metabolism, including Bcl-2 antibodies, Cytochrome C antibodies, Bcl-XL antibodies, Glutathione Peroxidase 1 ELISA Kits, and Bcl-2 ELISA Kits. Explore our full mitochondrial metabolism product range below and discover more, for less.