MFN2

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/mfn2

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Mitofusin-2 (MFN2)
2. What is the gene location?Encoded by the MFN2 gene on chromosome 3 in humans
3. What is MFN2 and why is it important?MFN2 is a protein that sits on the outer membrane of mitochondria and helps them fuse together. By doing this, it makes the mitochondria stronger and better at producing the energy cells need.
4. How does MFN2 help mitochondria fuse?MFN2 uses energy from a molecule called GTP to change shape. This brings two mitochondria close so their membranes can merge and share their contents.

Mitochondrial Dynamics: The continuous process of fusion and fission that shapes mitochondrial networks within cells.
GTPase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to guanosine diphosphate (GDP) and inorganic phosphate.
Cellular Metabolism: The sum of all chemical processes that occur in living cells to maintain life.