Do Mitochondria Die

Because nerve cells are postmitotic, any mitochondrial damage that is sustained will accumulate with age and lead to dysfunction. Widespread damage to mitochondria causes cells to die because they can no longer produce enough energy.

What happens if the mitochondria dies?

When mitochondria cannot convert food and oxygen into life-sustaining energy, cell injury and even cell death follow. When this process is repeated throughout the body, organ systems begin to fail and even stop functioning.

Does mitochondria ever stop?

When mitochondria stop functioning, the cell they are in is starved of energy. So, depending on the type of cell, symptoms can vary widely. As a general rule, cells that need the largest amounts of energy, such as heart muscle cells and nerves, are affected the most by faulty mitochondria.