A chemical that acts specifically on mitochondria was found

A chemical that acts specifically on mitochondria was found to interfere with the movement of cilia, slowdown protein synthesis, and reduce the frequency of cell division. Explain how one chemical could affect so many different cell activities.

Solution

Tetracycline have profound activity on prokaryotes and eukaryotes (including mammal) specifically inhibiting mitochondrial function viz. protein synthesis, movement of cilia, reducing the frequency of cell division. As it inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis, depolarize membrane potential and thus decreases respiratory control. It makes a complex with calcium and inhibit energy metabolism. The energy metabolism retardation arrest cells in cell cycle phase G1. It also regulate specific gene expression and impairing myotube formation and induces muscle creatine kinase as shown in differentiated myocytes. It inhibits troponin-I and other muscle specific proteins. The action of tetracycline are multifaceted and even some mode of action are unknown.