Aerobic Respiration & Energy Production Dr. Michael P. Gillespie11

Mitochondria Mitochondria are football-shaped organelles that are roughly the size of a bacterial cell. They are bound by an outer mitochondrial membrane and an inner mitochondrial membrane. The space between these membranes is the intermembrane space and the space inside the inner membrane is the matrix space. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie2

Mitochondria Dr. Michael P. Gillespie3

Mitochondria The mitochondria has it’s own genetic information and is able to make some of its own proteins. Mitochondria grow and multiply in a way that is very similar to simple bacteria. Mitochondria are most likely the descendants of bacteria that were captured by eukaryotic cells millions of years ago. Approximately 1.5 X 10 9 years ago. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie4

Outer Mitochondrial Membrane The outer mitochondrial membrane has small pores through which small molecules can pass. The molecules that are oxidized for the production of ATP are small enough to easily enter the mitochondrial membrane. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie5

Inner Mitochondrial Membrane The inner membrane is highly folded to create a large surface area. The folded membranes are known as cristae. The inner membrane is almost completely impermeable. Transport proteins bring specific food molecules into the matrix space. The protein electron carriers of the electron transport system are embedded within the inner membrane. ATP synthase is embedded in the membrane. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie6

Origin Of Mitochondria Mitochondria are roughly the size of bacteria. Mitochondria have their own genetic information (DNA). They make their own ribosomes that are very similar to those of bacteria. The DNA and ribosomes allow the mitochondria to synthesize their own proteins. Mitochondria are self-replicating. They grow in size and divide to produce new mitochondria. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie7