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Mitochondria Notes

Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles known as the 'powerhouse of the cell' responsible for ATP production and present in most eukaryotic cells. They consist of an outer membrane, inner membrane with cristae, matrix, and intermembrane space, and perform functions such as metabolism regulation, apoptosis, and calcium storage. Mitochondria have their own DNA, can self-replicate, and are crucial for energy provision, cell growth, and signaling.

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7 views4 pages

Mitochondria Notes

Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles known as the 'powerhouse of the cell' responsible for ATP production and present in most eukaryotic cells. They consist of an outer membrane, inner membrane with cristae, matrix, and intermembrane space, and perform functions such as metabolism regulation, apoptosis, and calcium storage. Mitochondria have their own DNA, can self-replicate, and are crucial for energy provision, cell growth, and signaling.

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Mitochondria Notes – Page 1

Definition

• The mitochondria are known as the “powerhouse of the cell.”

• They are double-membrane organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine

triphosphate).

• Present in most eukaryotic cells (plants and animals).

Structure of Mitochondria

1. Outer Membrane

o Smooth membrane that separates mitochondria from cytoplasm.

o Permeable to small molecules and ions.

2. Inner Membrane

o Folded into cristae to increase surface area.

o Contains proteins for electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.

3. Matrix

o The space inside the inner membrane.

o Contains enzymes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), ribosomes, and substrates for cellular

respiration.

4. Cristae

o Folds of the inner membrane.

o Increase surface area for chemical reactions.

5. Intermembrane Space
o Space between outer and inner membrane.

o Plays a role in oxidative phosphorylation.

Functions of Mitochondria

1. ATP Production:

o Through cellular respiration: glucose → ATP.

2. Regulation of Metabolism:

o Helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates.

3. Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death):

o Releases proteins that trigger cell death when needed.

4. Calcium Storage:

o Helps regulate calcium ions in cells.

5. Heat Production:

o In some cells (e.g., brown fat), mitochondria produce heat via thermogenesis.

Mitochondria Notes – Page 2

Processes in Mitochondria

1. Cellular Respiration Stages:

o Glycolysis: Occurs in cytoplasm → glucose to pyruvate.

o Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Takes place in the matrix, produces NADH, FADH₂, and CO₂.

o Electron Transport Chain (ETC): In cristae, uses electrons to produce ATP.

2. ATP Synthesis:
o Oxidative phosphorylation in inner membrane produces most ATP for the cell.

Special Features

• Own DNA and Ribosomes: Can make some of their own proteins.

• Self-Replicating: Can divide independently of the cell.

• Inherited from Mother: Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited in animals.

Importance in Cells

• Provides energy for all cellular activities.

• Supports cell growth and division.

• Plays a role in cell signaling and apoptosis, helping maintain healthy tissue.

Quick Diagram (Text Version)

Outer Membrane

-----------------

| |

| Intermembrane |

| Space |

| ------------- |

| | Cristae ||

| | ----------- | |

| | Matrix ||
| ------------- |

-----------------

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