Aging: The Mitochondrial Connection

Abstract

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, providing the vast majority of cellular ATP under aerobic conditions. However, this essential function comes at the cost of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which can cause cellular damage. With age, mitochondrial function declines, resulting in decreased ATP production and increased ROS production, which may contribute to the aging process. In this review, we explore the evidence linking impaired mitochondrial function to age-related degeneration, highlight methods that have been shown to improve mitochondrial function, and speculate on whether they can lead to rejuvenation.