The study investigates the protective role of mitochondrial tubulation during nutrient starvation. Mitochondria, which are dynamic organelles crucial for various cellular functions, undergo significant morphological changes in response to nutrient depletion. The research demonstrates that mitochondrial elements elongate and interconnect shortly after nutrient depletion, a process dependent on the type of nutrients being depleted. This elongation is mediated by down-regulation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) through phosphorylation at two specific sites, leading to unopposed mitochondrial fusion. The study also shows that this mitochondrial tubulation protects mitochondria from autophagic degradation, allowing them to maximize energy production and supply autophagosomal membranes during starvation. The findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial morphology in cellular survival under nutrient-limited conditions.The study investigates the protective role of mitochondrial tubulation during nutrient starvation. Mitochondria, which are dynamic organelles crucial for various cellular functions, undergo significant morphological changes in response to nutrient depletion. The research demonstrates that mitochondrial elements elongate and interconnect shortly after nutrient depletion, a process dependent on the type of nutrients being depleted. This elongation is mediated by down-regulation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) through phosphorylation at two specific sites, leading to unopposed mitochondrial fusion. The study also shows that this mitochondrial tubulation protects mitochondria from autophagic degradation, allowing them to maximize energy production and supply autophagosomal membranes during starvation. The findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial morphology in cellular survival under nutrient-limited conditions.