Mitochondria
Introduction
Mitochondria are very important organelle of the eukaryotic cell because they are involved in the manufacture and supply of energy to the cell. They are also known as power-house of the cell.
Mitochondria are self-replicating organelles.
Structure
- Under compound microscope, they appear to be vesicles, rods or filaments.
- Under electron microscope, they show a complex morphology.
Characteristics
- Their number and size varies and depends on the physiological activity of the cell.
- It is bounded by two membranes. Outer membrane is smooth. Inner membrane forms infoldings into the inner chamber or mitochondrial matrix. These infoldings are called cristae.
- The inner surface of cristae has small knob like structures known as F1 particles
- Mitochondrial membranes are similar in structure to other membranes.
- Mitochondria also contain some DNA and ribosomes.
Functions
(i) Presence of ribosomes and DNA indicates that some proteins are also synthesized in it.
(ii) Mitochondrial matrix contains a large number of enzymes, coenzymes and organic and inorganic salts which help in several metabolic processes like Krebs cycle, aerobic respiration, fatty acid metabolism etc. As a result of these metabolic processes, the energy present in the food stuff is transformed into energy rich compound known as adenosine triphosphate abbreviated as ATPwhich then provides energy to cell on demand.
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