Mitochondria Changting

What is Mitochondrion The Mitochondiarion is an excellent example of the relationship between structure and function. a mitochondrion is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. These organelles range from 0.5 to 10 micrometers (μm) in diameter. Mitochondria are sometimes described as "cellular power plants" because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.[2]

Structures of mitochondrion

Structures out membrane:Separates the contents of the mitochondria from the rest of the cell,creating a compartment with ideal conditions for aerobic respiration. inner membrane :contains electron transport chains and ATP synthase,which carry out oxidative phosphorylation inter membrane space:Protons are pumped into this space by the electron transport chain. Martix:Fluid inside the mitochondriancontaining enzymes for the Krebs cycle and the link reaction. Cristae:Tubular or shelf-like projections of the inner membrane which increase the surface area available for oxidative phosphorylation.

How does mitochondria work? Animation of Electron transport in Mitochondria Protons are translocated across the membrane, from the matrix to the intermembrane space Electrons are transported along the membrane, through a series of protein carriers Oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor, combining with electrons and H+ ions to produce water As NADH delivers more H+ and electrons into the ETS, the proton gradient increases, with H+ building up outside the inner mitochondrial membrane, and OH- inside the membrane.

Animation of ATP synthesis in Mitochondria Proton gradient is built up as a result of NADH (produced from oxidation reactions) feeding electrons into electron transport system.

Animation of ATP synthesis in Mitochondriavv Protons (indicated by + charge) enter back into the mitochondrial matrix through channels in ATP synthase enzyme complex. This entry is coupled to ATP synthesis from ADP and phosphate (Pi)