A public lecture by Paolo Bernardi

On June 3, 2024, at 17:00, Paolo Bernardi, MD Emeritus Professor, University of Padova (Italy) and Adjunct Professor, New York University (New York) will give a public lecture “Mitochondria: How ancient bacteria allowed our evolution”.

Cyanobacteria, the first organisms able to carry out photosynthesis, about 3,500 million years ago initiated the formation of free molecular oxygen on earth. Due to its lethal effects, oxygen caused the mass extinction of primitive anaerobic forms of life. Surviving organisms managed to exploit oxygen for their vital functions following integration within the cell of ancient bacteria, the progenitors of our mitochondria. This unique event allowed evolution of multicellular organisms and provides us with the vital energy of life.

Location: G106, G.Tsereteli st 1, G building (near Vake Park)

Working language: English