The Mitochondria Auriel Edwards Medical Terminology Pre Med 1

What is the mitochondria? These are the ATP factories for cells. It is said to be the power house of cells It is an organelle found in cells, largely in quantity in muscles cells It is responsible for processes of respiration, energy production and the regulation of the metabolism. It contains ribosomes, DNA, and calcium phosphate granules

Location of the Mitochondria The mitochondria can be found in eukaryote cells There are multiple mitochondria found in one cell depending on the type of cell and its function The Mitochondria is located in the cytoplasm of a cell

Location of the mitochondria

The Mitochondria structure It is made up of 2 membrane an outer and inner membrane composed of phospholipid bilayers and proteins. The inner membrane folds many times hence creating a structural layer known as the cristae. The mitochondria has fluid that is contained inside known as the matrix.

The Outer membrane It is similar to that of the eukaryotic cell. The outer member covers the organelle and permeable to small molecules and ions It has protein integrated into the phospholipid bilayer which are responsible for allowing materials to pass through the mitochondria. The proteins are also called porins

The Intermembrane Space This is the space between the outer and the inner membrane It plays the role in oxidative phosphorylation

The Inner Membrane Space It is less permeable than the outer membrane. Meaning it only allows very small molecules into the matrix that makes up the organelle’s central mass It is loaded with proteins involved in electron transport and ATP synthesis.

Cristae Folded lamellae of the mitochondria or better known as the invaginations of the inner membrane. The folds are there to increase surface area thus giving more space for reactions to occur Allows faster rate of diffusion of components from the matrix to the inner membrane.

Matrix This is the fluid contained within the mitochondria Within this matrix the mitochondria has ribosomes and DNA floating around

How is the energy made Our food contains macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and even fats. The energy stored in the bonds of these molecules is converted into a usable energy in the body. This energy is known as Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

What is respiration This is the chemical process in which energy is released from food substances. There are 2 types of respiration. These are Aerobic respiration and Anaerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration gets the energy from sugars or glucose in the presence of oxygen and anaerobic respiration produces energy in the absence of it

References cell/tour-of-organelles/v/mitochondria-video cell/tour-of-organelles/v/mitochondria-video