MITOCHONDRIA
Mitochondria are referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell, because they generate most of the ATP through aerobic (oxygen requiring) respiration.
A cell may have as few as a hundred or as many as several thousand mitochondria, depending on its activity.
Active cells that use ATP at a high rate—such as those found in the muscles, liver, and kidneys—have a large number of mitochondria. For example, regular exercise can lead to an increase in the number of mitochondria in muscle cells, which allows muscle cells to function more efficiently.
STRUCTURE OF MITOCHONDRIA
A mitochondrion consists of an outer mitochondrial membrane and an inner mitochondrial membrane with a small fluid-filled space between them.
CRISTAE- The inner mitochondrial membrane contains a series of folds called mitochondrial cristae.
MATRIX- The central fluid-filled cavity of a mitochondrion, enclosed by the inner mitochondrial membrane, is the mitochondrial matrix.
The enzymes that catalyze these reactions are located on the cristae and in the matrix of the mitochondria.
FUNCTIONS OF MITOCHONDRIA:
1. Generate ATP through reactions of aerobic cellular respiration.
2. Play an important early role in apoptosis.
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