Mitochondria Flashcards
Introduction to Mitochondria
Mitochondria unless they are deeply stained, they are not visible under microscope
Do number of mitochondria vary per cell?
yes, number of mitochondria per cell varies depending upon the physiological activities of the cell
Is there variation in shape and size?
In terms of shape and size considerable degree of variablity is observed’
for Example
Typical Sausage or cylinder shaped having diameter 0.2 - 1m
Comment about internal structures of mitochondria?
Mitochondrion is a double membrane bound organelle, which is outer membrane and inner membrane
these membranes divide the lumen into two distinct aqueous compartments.
comment about the inner compartment
Inner compartment contains a dense homogenous substance known as matrix
comment about outer membrane
it forms continous limiting boundary with the organelle
comment about the inner membrane
it forms number of infoldings known as cristae towards matrix
Overall functions of outer and inner membrane
two membranes have their own specific enzymes associated with mitochondrial functions
Functions of Mitochondria
Mitochondria is
- an site for aerobic respiration
- produces cellular energy in the form of ATP , hence known as power house of cell
- The matrix posses single circular DNA
- it also possess RNA molecules
-ribosomes
- contains contents required for synthesis of protein
How does mitochondria divide?
divides through fission