Complex 1 deficiency in a nutshell is basically a disease affecting the mitochondria, primarily caused by genetic defects and passed down to offsprings. The DNA that affects mitochondria, which is usuallt referred to as Mitochondrial DNA (or mtDNA for short) is located in the x chromosome of the sex chromosomes. This genetic defect causes a lack of complex 1 in the cristae of the mitochondria, since the whole chain of complexes is required to produce the maximum amount of ATP (energy for cells) that a mitochondria can produce, a lack of complex 1 heavily restricts the production of ATP, because complex 1 actually prevents the other complexes (complex 2, 3, and 4) from producing ATP efficiently. This ultimately means that the body is not receiving the energy it requires, this results in extreme fatigue and low muscle tone, it could become fatal, depending on what organ of the body is lacking complex 1, it mostly occurs in the brain, so in majority of the cases it has been terminal. Some symptoms include episodes of nauseousness and heavy breathing, low muscle tone, extreme fatigue, even depression.Β














