By Kyle Munley MITOCHONDRION

MITOCHONDRION PURPOSE >The Mitochondrion is the site where cellular respiration occurs. Cellular Respiration are metabolic reactions that take place in cells that convert energy from nutrients into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). >The Mitochondrion is found in the cytoplasm of nearly all Eukaryotic cells. >Mitochondria at are the cells power producers in the cytoplasm. >Mitochondria are also involved in other cell processes such as cell division and growth, as well as cell death.

MITOCHONDRION CHARACTERISTICS Mitochondria are bounded by a double membrane. Double membranes divide the mitochondrion into two distinct parts: the intermembrane space and the mitochondrial matrix. The intermembrane space is the narrowest part between the two membranes while the mitochondrial matrix is the part enclosed in the innermost membrane. (Cell respiration) The matrix is filled with water and proteins. Those proteins take food molecules and combine them with oxygen (O 2 ). The mitochondria are the only place in the cell where oxygen can be combined with the food molecules. After the oxygen is added, the material can be digested.

PARTS OF MITOCHONDRION The Mitochondria have several parts such as the cytoplasm, the cytoplasm is where the energy is turned into ATP. The ribosomes are the protein builders or the protein synthesizers of the cell. DNA is found in the cytoplasm of the mitochondria. The phospholipid bilayer composed of two fatty acids, a glycerol unit, a phosphate group and a polar molecule and are a major component of cell membranes which enclose the cytoplasm and other contents of a cell. The inner membrane folds over many times and Is called the cristae.That folding increases the surface area inside the organelle. Many of the chemical reactions happen on the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

PICTURES

SOURCES biology.about.com academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology