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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of mitochondria in the cell?
What is the main function of mitochondria in the cell?
What structural feature of the inner membrane increases the surface area for ATP production?
What structural feature of the inner membrane increases the surface area for ATP production?
What is unique about mitochondrial DNA compared to nuclear DNA?
What is unique about mitochondrial DNA compared to nuclear DNA?
Where does glycolysis take place within the cell?
Where does glycolysis take place within the cell?
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Which of the following statements about the number of mitochondria in a cell is true?
Which of the following statements about the number of mitochondria in a cell is true?
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What process occurs within the mitochondria to produce most of the cell's ATP?
What process occurs within the mitochondria to produce most of the cell's ATP?
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Why are mitochondria referred to as the 'powerhouse' of the cell?
Why are mitochondria referred to as the 'powerhouse' of the cell?
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Which of the following statements about the outer membrane of mitochondria is correct?
Which of the following statements about the outer membrane of mitochondria is correct?
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Study Notes
Mitochondria Structure and Function
- Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles, often called the "powerhouses" of the cell.
- Their size ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 μm in diameter.
- They are responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's main energy source, through cellular respiration.
Mitochondrial Membranes
- Outer membrane: Smooth and permeable to small molecules.
- Inner membrane: Folded into cristae, increasing surface area for ATP production.
- Matrix: Contains enzymes for the Krebs cycle.
Mitochondrial Number
- The number of mitochondria in a cell varies greatly.
- Some cells have no mitochondria, while others, like liver cells, can have over 2000.
Mitochondrial DNA
- Most of a cell's DNA is in the cell's nucleus.
- Mitochondria contain their own independent circular DNA (mtDNA).
Energy Production Overview
- Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, breaking down glucose into pyruvate, releasing some energy
- The Krebs cycle takes place inside the mitochondria, further breaking down pyruvate to produce ATP
- Mitochondria require oxygen for efficient ATP production.
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