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Mitochondrial Fuel Handling

Meaning

Mitochondrial Fuel Handling refers to the complex and dynamic process by which mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, efficiently take up, process, and convert various metabolic substrates—primarily fatty acids, glucose derivatives, and amino acids—into chemical energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). The efficiency and metabolic flexibility of this handling system are critical determinants of cellular vitality, overall energy output, and the controlled production of reactive oxygen species. Optimal fuel handling is essential for the sustained function of high-demand organs, including the brain, heart, and endocrine glands.