Analysis of Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis in Yeast

Mitochondrial biogenesis is an intricate process that requires the coordinated function of two separate genetic systems: one in the organelle and one in the nucleus. The study of mitochondria requires the analysis of both genetic systems and their protein products. We describe the general procedures used to label mitochondrially encoded proteins in the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , a starting point for the investigation of various aspects of organelle biogenesis, such as folding and assembly, sorting, and degradation of proteins.