Redistribution of fragmented mitochondria ensure symmetric organelle partitioning and faithful chromosome segregation in mitotic mouse zygotes

Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Mitochondrial Inheritance, Chromosome Segregation

This preprint investigates the role of Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) in mitochondrial redistribution and partitioning during embryonic cleavage in mouse zygotes. The study uses established experimental techniques like Trim-Away, live imaging, and immunofluorescence to demonstrate that Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation is essential for symmetric organelle partitioning, faithful chromosome segregation, and ultimately, successful embryonic development. Depletion of Drp1 leads to mitochondrial aggregation, asymmetric inheritance, and developmental arrest, highlighting its crucial role in these processes. While the study builds on existing knowledge about mitochondrial dynamics and inheritance, it does not present a radical departure from the current paradigm. It solidifies and refines our understanding within the framework of normal science by exploring specific molecular mechanisms that govern a fundamental biological process. Therefore, this research falls squarely within the "normal science" stage of Kuhn's paradigm cycle.