Three-dimensional reconstruction of the endoplasmic reticulum binding mitochondria in rat liver cell

Objective To study the three dimensional structural relationship between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (rough endoplasmic reticulum,RER and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, SER). Methods Three dimensional models of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum binding mitochondria in rat liver cells were reconstructed by observing serial ultrathin sections in EM. Results Every mitochondrion was bound with endoplasmic reticulum(SER and RER) except that mitochondria contacted with fat drop directly.Most mitochondria were in part capped with RER or small vesicles of SER,Which seemed at place to form a cap around the mitochondria.There were very small space(30nm)without any organelles between the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum binding the mitochondria. Conclusion The mitochondria were bound with endoplasmic reticulum (SER and RER) when they took action in liver cells.Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum binding the mitochondria is a unity in structure and function.