Mitochondria in a Spinal Cord Section (IMAGE) Technical University of Munich (TUM) Caption This is a microscopic image of a spinal cord section, in which energy-producing organelles (mitochondria) were labeled using a fluorescent protein derived from jellyfish. The nuclei of cells are labled in magenta. The spinal cord is the site of an important class of neurodegenerative diseases ("motor neuron diseases," such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS) -- and disturbed transport or functioning of mitochondria is widely believed to be a causative step in this group of diseases. Credit Misgeld lab, TU Muenchen Usage Restrictions This image may be used freely in news coverage of the TU Muenchen License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.