wirte in detail about the structure and function of mitochondria
Answers
Answer: Mitochondria have an inner and outer membrane, with an intermembrane space between them. The outer membrane contains proteins known as porins, which allow movement of ions into and out of the mitochondrion
Explanation:
Explanation:
Mitochondria Definition
“Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, that produces adinosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy molecule used by the cell.”
Table of Contents
Explanation
Diagram
Structure
Function
Disorders
Read on to explore what is mitochondria, its structure, and functions.
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What is Mitochondria?
Popularly known as the “Powerhouse of the cell,” mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are a double membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms. They are found inside the cytoplasm and essentially functions as the cell’s “digestive system.”
They play a major role in breaking down nutrients and generating energy-rich molecules for the cell. Many of the biochemical reactions involved in cellular respiration take place within the mitochondria. The term ‘mitochondrion’ is derived from the Greek words “mitos” and “chondrion” which means “thread” and “granules-like” respectively. It was first described by a German pathologist named Richard Altmann in the year 1890.
Also refer: Cell Organelles
Mitochondria Diagram
The diagram of mitochondria below illustrates several structural features of mitochondria.
Mitochondria Diagram
Mitochondria diagram explaining the structure of mitochondria
Structure of Mitochondria
The mitochondrion is a double-membraned, rod-shaped structure found in both plant and animal cell.
Its size ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometre in diameter.
The structure comprises an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a gel-like material called the matrix.
The outer membrane and the inner membrane are made of proteins and phospholipid layers separated by the intermembrane space.
The outer membrane covers the surface of the mitochondrion and has a large number of special proteins known as porins.
It is freely permeable to ions, nutrient molecules, energy molecules like the ADP and ATP molecules.
Cristae
The inner membrane of mitochondria is rather complex in structure. It has many folds that form a layered structure called cristae, and this helps in increasing the surface area inside the organelle. The cristae and the proteins of the inner membrane aids in the production of ATP molecules. The inner membrane is strictly permeable only to oxygen and to ATP molecules. A number of chemical reactions take place within the inner membrane of mitochondria.
Mitochondrial Matrix
The mitochondrial matrix is a viscous fluid that contains a mixture of enzymes and proteins. It also comprises ribosomes, inorganic ions, mitochondrial DNA, nucleotide cofactors, and organic molecules. The enzymes present in the matrix play an important role in the synthesis of ATP molecules.
Also Read: Difference between mitochondria and plastids
Functions of Mitochondria
The most important function of mitochondria is to produce energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. It is also involved in the following process:
Regulates the metabolic activity of the cell
Promotes the growth of new cells and cell multiplication
Helps in detoxifying ammonia in the liver cells
Plays an important role in apoptosis or programmed cell death
Responsible for building certain parts of the blood and various hormones like testosterone and oestrogen
Helps in maintaining an adequate concentration of calcium ions within the compartments of the cell
It is also involved in various cellular activities like cellular differentiation, cell signalling, cell senescence, controlling the cell cycle and also in cell growth.