Electric field-induced fusion of mitochondria.

Fusion of mitochondria in H-medium from rat liver was induced by the application of square-wave voltage with electric field strengths of 1-2.5 kV/cm and duration 100 microseconds. Electron micrographs showed that the newly fused mitochondria could contain up to five mitoplasts. The fusion yield was close to 12% and respiratory activity was enhanced. The electric field lines did not go through the inner membrane, however, when the electric field strength was greater than 3 kV/cm they did so, resulting in total destruction of the mitochondria.