Core subunit of the mitochondrial membrane respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) which catalyzes electron transfer from NADH through the respiratory chain, using ubiquinone as an electron acceptor (PubMed:14729820, PubMed:30140060). Essential for the catalytic activity and assembly of complex I (PubMed:14729820, PubMed:24028823, PubMed:30140060).