With this overview of the role of mitochondria in the realm of calcium sign
alling we have tried to provide a chronological perspective, from the very
early days to the present. We have briefly sketched a timeline of the resea
rch on calcium and mitochondria during the course of the century. Particula
r attention is paid to recent developments which have contributed to a rene
wed interest in calcium handling by this organelle. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publi
shers Ltd.