A simple method for the large-scale preparation of mitochondria from microorganisms

A simple mechanical procedure that has been developed for the large-scale preparation of intact mitochondria from yeast, is also applicable to the extraction of organelles from other organisms having cell walls. A procedure for the isolation of large quantities of pure mitochondrial DNA from these mitochondria is described. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, further purification of the mitochondria by urografin isopycnic centrifugation leads to 50% recovery of whole cell respiration activity in a vesicular fraction of respiratory chain enzymes, with NADH oxidase activity usually greater than 10 μmol of electrons/min/mg of protein. The method has the advantage of rapidity and low cost and it is extremely healthy for the operator.