Mitochondria are known to be dynamic structures with the energetically and enzymatically mediated processes of fusion and fission responsible for maintaining a constant flux. Mitochondria also play a role of reactive oxygen species production as a byproduct of energy metabolism. In the current study, interrelationships between mitochondrial fusion, energy metabolism and oxidative stress on development were explored using a
fzo-1 mutant defective in the fusion process and a
mev-1 mutant overproducing superoxide from mitochondrial electron transport complex II of Caenorhabditis elegans. While growth and development of both single mutants was slightly delayed relative to the wild type, the
fzo-1;
mev-1 double mutant experienced considerable delay. Oxygen sensitivity during larval development, superoxide production and carbonyl protein accumulation of the
fzo-1 mutant were similar to wild type.
fzo-1 animals had significantly lower metabolism than did N2 and
mev-1. These data indicate that mitochondrial fusion can profoundly affect energy metabolism and development.