The Relationship Of Nd1 Mtdna Gene Polymorphisms To Energy Metabolism And Risk Of Obesity Among Peruvian Native Americans

Authors

Karen K. Thomas, Brigham Young University
Dr. Mark J. Rowe, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Nd1, Mtdna gene, polymorphisms, energy metabolism, obesity, Peruvian, Native Americans

College

Life Sciences

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science

Abstract

Mitochondria are involved in the conversion of energy in the cell. Metabolic energy from the food we eat is converted in mitochondria to ATP by the electron transport system (ETS) and oxidative phosphorylation. The enzyme complexes involved in the ETS contain thirteen subunits which are encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Non-silent polymorphisms (sites in the DNA where the nucleotide differs between individuals) in mtDNA will affect these enzymes and may thereby alter metabolic efficiency and therefore metabolic rate. A lower metabolic rate is a risk factor for weight gain and a higher body mass index (BMI, a measure of obesity) (1).

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Karen K. and Rowe, Dr. Mark J. (2014) "The Relationship Of Nd1 Mtdna Gene Polymorphisms To Energy Metabolism And Risk Of Obesity Among Peruvian Native Americans," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 860.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/860