Self-organization of associations of mitochondria and the effect of negative air ions

A convenient model for studying the mechanisms of biological self-organizat ion is described by morphometric investigation of formation of mitochondrio n associations in medium containing physiological concentration of potassiu m ions without nonpolar substances. Association formation was considerably better at 15-18 degrees C during isolation and storage than at 0 degrees C. The existence of filamented mitochondria in homogenate was also shown by s taining of succinate dehydrogenase. Formation of associations increased in medium pretreated with negative air ions carrying superoxide and is probabl y due to hydrogen peroxide. The effect of substances influencing the surfac e charge on association formation was studied.