hidrogenosómákat

Hidrogenosómákat are organelles found in anaerobic eukaryotes, primarily in protists like those that cause trichomoniasis and entamoanic infections. These structures are believed to be highly modified mitochondria, having lost most of their original functions, including the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Instead, hidrogenosómákat are primarily involved in the production of molecular hydrogen as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism.

The process within hidrogenosómákat involves the breakdown of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and subsequent fermentation. This fermentation generates ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation, providing energy for the cell in oxygen-poor environments. A key feature of hidrogenosómákat is the presence of hydrogenosomes, which are responsible for the evolution of hydrogen gas. This hydrogen production is often coupled with the reduction of protons.

Structurally, hidrogenosómákat are typically small and lack the cristae found in typical mitochondria. Their inner membrane is often smooth. The exact composition and biochemical pathways can vary somewhat between different species harboring these organelles. Despite their simplified nature compared to mitochondria, hidrogenosómákat are crucial for the survival of their host organisms in anaerobic niches, such as the digestive tract of animals. The study of hidrogenosómákat provides insights into the evolution of eukaryotic organelles and the adaptation of life to diverse environmental conditions.