Mitochondria definition

A mitochondrion is an organelle, a specialized structure found inside almost all eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, like mitochondria. Mitochondria have been called the powerhouse of the cell because of their role in cellular respiration and energy production. Without mitochondria, we would not be able to properly use our energy and live. Mitochondria are similar to other organelles in that they are covered with their own membranes. They differ in that their membranes are the result of free-floating ribosomes found within the surrounding cytosol, as well as ribosomes contained inside the mitochondria. Cytosol is a water-soluble component of cytoplasm, which is located within the cell membrane. Ribosomes are tiny organelles composed of ribonucleic acid (RNA), and they play an important part in protein synthesis. Mitochondria also contain a small amount of deoxyribonucleic acid - or DNA, as it's better known - which is the instructional material used to help program proteins made by the mitochondria's ribosomes. Mitochondria are considered semiautonomous because they can grow and reproduce of their own accord without instructions from the nucleus. Let's review what we've learned here. Mitochondria are organelles - which are specialized structures found inside almost all eukaryotic cells - and considered to be the powerhouse of the cell. Eukaryotic cells are characterized by their nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Numberin...

ATP synthesis in mitochondria In order to understand the mechanism by which the energy released during + and FADH 2) are available as substrates for respiration. The movement of most charged metabolites into the matrix space is mediated by special carrier proteins in the crista that catalyze exchange-diffusion (i.e., a one-for-one exchange). The oxidative phosphorylation systems of The mechanism of ATP synthesis appears to be as follows. During the transfer of 2 or FADH 2 to + ions) are pumped across the crista from the inside of the mitochondrion to the outside. Thus, respiration generates an electrical potential (and in mitochondria a small i. It has nine polypeptide chain subunits of five different kinds in a i. This complex forms a specific i are bound to ATP synthetase, the excess of protons (H +) that has formed outside of the mitochondria (an H + gradient) moves back into the mitochondrion through the enzyme complex. The energy released is used to convert ADP and P i to ATP. In this process, electrical energy is converted to chemical energy, and it is the supply of ADP that limits the rate of this process. The precise mechanism by which the + gradient to the chemical bond energy in ATP is not well understood. The H + gradient may power other endergonic (energy-requiring) processes besides ATP synthesis, such as the movement of bacterial cells and the transport of carbon substrates or ions. ATP formation during 2O into molecular oxygen (O 2), four protons (H +), and ...

Cell Mitochondria What are mitochondria? Mitochondria are important parts of our Organelle Animals and plants are made up of many complex cells called eukaryotic cells. Inside these cells are structures that perform special functions for the cell called organelles. The organelle that is responsible for producing How many mitochondria are in a cell? Different types of cells have different numbers of mitochondria. Some simple cells contain only one or two mitochondria. However, complex animal cells that need a lot of energy, like muscle cells, can have thousands of mitochondria. Energy Factory The main function of mitochondria is to produce energy for the cell. Cells use a special molecule for energy called ATP. ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. The ATP for the cell is made within the mitochondria. You can think of the mitochondria as the energy factory or power plant of the cell. Respiration Mitochondria produce energy through the process of cellular respiration. The mitochondria take food molecules in the form of carbohydrates and combine them with Mitochondrion Structure Mitochondria have a distinct structure that helps them to generate energy. • Outer membrane - The outside is protected by an outer membrane that is smooth and varies in shape from a round blob to a long rod. • Inner membrane - Unlike other organelles in the cell, mitochondria also have an inner membrane. The inner membrane is wrinkled with lots of folds and performs a number of functions to help make...