Mitochondria Function and Structure PDF

# The Mitochondria Function and Structure Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell. They range in size from 0.5 to 1.0 (µm) in diameter and are responsible for producing ATP, the cell's main energy currency, through cellular respiration. ## Mitochondria S...

# The Mitochondria Function and Structure Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell. They range in size from 0.5 to 1.0 (µm) in diameter and are responsible for producing ATP, the cell's main energy currency, through cellular respiration. ## Mitochondria Structure - **Outer Membrane:** Smooth and permeable to small molecules. - **Inner Membrane:** Folded into cristae, which increases surface area for ATP production. - **Matrix:** Contains enzymes for the Krebs cycle. ## Number of Mitochondria in a Cell The number of mitochondria in a cell can vary widely. For example, some cells have no mitochondria, while liver cells can have more than 2000. ## Mitochondrial DNA Although most of a cell's DNA is contained in the cell's nucleus, mitochondria have their own independent genome. This genome is circular, like bacterial DNA, and encodes for some of the proteins required for mitochondrial function. ## Why is the Mitochondria Called the "Powerhouse of the Cell"? - **First:** Mitochondria produce ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. - **Second:** Glucose is broken down in the mitochondria to make ATP. - **Third:** The process of glycolysis and the Kreb's cycle takes place within the mitochondria, which are critical for cellular metabolism. ## Glycolysis and the Kreb's Cycle Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate. This reaction produces some hydrogen ions (electrons) to be used to make ATP. Only 4 ATP molecules can be made via glycolysis. The breakdown of glucose continues with the Kreb's cycle in the mitochondria. The Kreb's cycle helps produce enough ATP to run all the cell functions. ## Image 1: Mitochondria Structural Features A diagram of a mitochondrion is described. The diagram labels the outer membrane, the inner membrane, the cristae, and the matrix. ## Image 2: Chromosome and DNA - The first diagram displays a chromosome with two arms. - The next diagram displays a circular structure labelled "Mitochondrial DNA." - Below this diagram is a diagram of a linear DNA molecule with the label "Human DNA." - The final diagram displays another circular structure labelled "Bacterial DNA" ## Image 3: Aliya Haider and Others Five names are listed on a white background. They are: - Aliya Haider - Israa Abdin - Mab Khalid - Safa Hamad - Nasra Abd Alnaser