Mitochondria can produce damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a by-product of normal function. Over time, ROS degrade mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), interfering with cellular energy production. When a cell loses mitochondria, eventually apoptosis or cell death can occur. Most cell’s strategy for dealing with damage is to “recycle” or turnover mitochondria on a [...]
A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome. Telomeres protect the ends of a given chromosome’s DNA from deterioration (although the shortening of chromosome telomeres normally occurs during chromosome replication). All cells that make up tissues undergo some degree of turnover (replication and apoptosis, i.e. programmed cell [...]
Quinones are derived from aromatic compounds, such as benzene and naphthalene. There are thousands of aromatic compounds. Although a thorough discussion of organic chemistry related to quinone structure and aromatic compounds is somewhat beyond the scope of this informational site about pyrroloquinoline quinone, it is important to appreciate some of the following quinone [...]
Control of mitochondrial oxygen utilization and respiratory control is central to all aspects of normal growth and development. In a broad setting, mitochondria are central to normal glucose, amino acid and fatty acid oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., antioxidant modulation, and ATP production, particularly during exercise. The mechanisms for mitochondrial regulation involve changes in [...]
It can be confidently speculated that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) was present throughout the earliest phases of biological conception. This is because compounds with the properties of PQQ are present in stellar dust. Cometary grains are considered to be the precursors of organic materials in early life on the earth. It can also be [...]
