Mitochondria Structure and Function

Structure and Function

• Mitochondria are organelles found in eukaryotic cells, with two main parts:
  • Outer membrane: permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through
  • Inner membrane: impermeable, folded into cristae to increase surface area
• Mitochondria have their own DNA, known as mtDNA, which is separate from nuclear DNA

Energy Production

• Mitochondria generate most of the energy for the cell through cellular respiration
• Process involves:
  1. Glycolysis: glucose broken down into pyruvate
  2. Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle): pyruvate converted into acetyl-CoA
  3. Electron transport chain: energy from acetyl-CoA used to generate ATP
• Mitochondria produce ATP through chemiosmosis, using the energy from the electron transport chain

Dynamics and Movement

• Mitochondria can move within the cell along microtubules, allowing them to reach areas of high energy demand
• Mitochondrial dynamics involve:
  • Fission: division of mitochondria to increase number and distribution
  • Fusion: merging of mitochondria to share contents and reduce stress
  • Mitophagy: removal of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria through autophagy

Mitochondrial Function in Health and Disease

• Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in various diseases, including:
  • Neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
  • Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, obesity)
  • Cancer
• Mitochondrial function also plays a role in aging and age-related diseases

Structure and Function

• Mitochondria are organelles found in eukaryotic cells, comprising two main parts: outer membrane (permeable) and inner membrane (impermeable with cristae to increase surface area)
• Mitochondria have their own DNA, known as mtDNA, separate from nuclear DNA

Energy Production

• Mitochondria generate most of the cell's energy through cellular respiration, involving three stages: glycolysis, citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and electron transport chain
• Energy from acetyl-CoA is used to generate ATP through chemiosmosis in the electron transport chain

Dynamics and Movement

• Mitochondria can move within the cell along microtubules to reach areas of high energy demand
• Mitochondrial dynamics involve three processes: fission (division to increase number and distribution), fusion (merging to share contents and reduce stress), and mitophagy (removal of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria)

Mitochondrial Function in Health and Disease

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), and cancer
• Mitochondrial function also plays a role in aging and age-related diseases