Import of Proteins into Mitochondria

Abstract

Publisher This chapter describes the basis of the in vitro mitochondrial import assay and the various questions that can be addressed by exploiting this technique. The characterization of the alternative import pathways has been greatly facilitated through the use of in vitro import studies. Through the incubation of isolated mitochondria under alternative conditions with in vitro-translated 35S-labeled precursor proteins, one can delineate the import pathway and import requirements for the precursor of interest. The in vitro mitochondrial import assay is not only a valuable tool in the analysis of the mitochondrial import machinery but can provide much insight into the biogenesis of differe..