Respiration- the Mitochondrion Flashcards
Describe the shape of a mitochondrion.
spherical, spiral
What are the dimensions of a mitochondrion?
Length 1.5-10 micrometres
Width 0.25-1.00 micrometres Diameter less than 1 micrometre
Describe the outer membrane.
The outer membrane is smooth and not folded, not very permeable to substances, however, it contains transport proteins which can shuttle pyruvate from the cytoplasm into the matrix.
Describe the inner membrane of the mitochondrion.
The inner membrane is highly folded to increase surface area for location of electron transport chains (respiratory chain), as well as ATP synthase, proton pumps.
Describe the intermembranal space of the mitochondrion.
The intermembranal space contains a high concentration of H+ for maintaining an electrochemical gradient between the matrix and the space.
Describe the matrix of the mitochondrion.
The matrix contains the enzymes and chemicals involved in the link reactions and Krebs’ Cycle reaction, for eg NAD, FAD (flavine adenine dinucleotide)
What are the structures of the mitochondria that must be labelled?
Matrix
Phosphate granule
Outer Membrane
Inner Membrane
Intermembranal Space
70 s Ribosome
Single Circular DNA