The interaction of mitochondrial membranes with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Within the context of the overall effects of free radicals (ROS and RNS) on biological membranes, the mitochondrion offers a unique biochemical environment which leads to a number of organelle-specific reactions, This includes a unique complement of membrane lipids and proteins, an alkaline pH in the matrix, specialized systems for the generation and quenching of ROS and RNS, and a tightly controlled redox status. All of these parameters come together in a highly orchestrated system that is essential to the proper functioning of the mitochondrion. This chapter will examine some of the mitochondria-specific aspects of ROS and RNS reactions with membranes, within the context of the many disease processes that originate at the organelle level.