Background: Mitochondria are considered the powerhouse of cells, and skeletal muscle cells are no exception. However, information regarding muscle mitochondria from different species is limited. Methods: Different muscles from cattle, pigs and chickens were analyzed for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), protein and oxygen consumption. Results: Bovine oxidative muscle mitochondria contain greater mtDNA (p p p p p p p p p p p Conclusions: These data show avian mitochondria function is independent of absolute mtDNA content and protein abundance, and argue that multiple levels of inquiry are warranted to determine the wholistic role of mitochondria in skeletal muscle.
