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Human Evolution with the Help of the Ancient Parasite "Mitochondria"
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Daryoush Farhoud1   , Mahsa Azari2 |
1- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences/Ethics, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Farhoud Genetic Clinic, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (28 Views) |
One way of evolution is survival and reproduction, but what helps humans have the energy needed for reproduction and cell growth, even brain development? And what makes heredity in humans happen in an orderly and harmonious manner? What energy source ensures proper functioning and order in the body in accordance with human development and evolution? The answer can be found in mitochondria, which are at least 2 million years old. Mitochondria are very vital and energy-generating organelles that help human survival and reproduction and are present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, but since when did they become part of humans? In this article, a brief history of the formation of mitochondria and their relationship with bacteria and how human life was created through them is discussed, and using a series of research conducted by international researchers, the function and how mitochondria are connected to humans are examined. Initially, mitochondria functioned as energy-stealing parasites in nature, but since their attachment to humans, they have served their hosts perfectly. As long as mitochondria function properly and are passed on to each generation in a healthy and flawless manner, they can propel humans forward in their evolution, but if they become defective, they can hinder the development and cause weakness in the host and its descendants. Since some diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes and diseases associated with aging disrupt the apoptosis process, it is believed that mitochondria play an important role in these diseases. Mitochondria play an important role in heat production, energy production, and calcium storage, which is related to neurotransmitters from nerve cells and hormones from endocrine glands. Therefore, it is necessary to know more about the capabilities of mitochondria and use them for treatment and medicine. Mitochondria have many useful functions from ancient times to the future life of humans, and have been inextricably linked to the human species from the beginning of human existence to the present day, and have been useful to researchers in tracing the origin of the gene pool, migration routes, and movement patterns of human species from the Stone Age to the present day.
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| Keywords: Mitochondria, Evolution, Migration Pattern, mtDNA, Parasite, Mitochondrial Medicines |
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Full-Text [PDF 742 kb]
(17 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
ژنتیک
Received: 2026/06/28 | Accepted: 2026/06/28 | Published: 2026/06/28
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