Description Mitochondria are oval shaped organelles scattered randomly throughout the cytoplasm. They are the energy factories of the cell and produce the majority of the cell’s ATP. Only found in eukaryotic organisms.

Mitochondria and Aerobic Cellular Respiration All the ATP producing reactions in the mitochondria must occur in the presence of oxygen, therefore they are aerobic. 3 of the 4 stages of aerobic cellular respiration occur in the mitochondria.

Structure They are double-membraned organelles. The inner membrane is known as the cristae and it has many proteins embedded in it. The outer membrane is simply the outer mitochondrial membrane. The space inside the inner membrane is the matrix, a protein rich fluid. The intermembrane space lies between the two membranes.

Evolution? Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA) and can therefore reproduce on their own. Their DNA is very similar to prokaryotic DNA which has lead to… The endosymbiotic hypothesis which states that mitochondria are descendants of early prokaryotic cells who developed a symbiotic relationship with early eukaryotic cells.