Transport into mitochondria & peroxisomes Flashcards
What is the primary function of the mitochondria?
Produce H+ gradient across inner membrane, which drives the ATPase, which produces ATP.
What is the first step in the mitochondria producing ATP?
Glycolysis - the breakdown of glucose in pyruvate occurs in the cytoplasm.
What happens when the pyruvate enters the mitochondria?
Decarboxylation
Describe the 2 membranes in the mitochondria
Outer membrane - encloses the organelle.
Inner membrane - highly folded (high SA). These folds are known as cristae.
What does the inner matrix contain?
The enzymes responsible for energy production
Why is the outer membrane being perforated (large channels - porins) beneficial?
Allows entry of molecules <5000 kDa
What type of enzymes are present in the outer membrane?
Enzymes involved in mitochondrial lipid synthesis
What enzymes are present in the inter membrane space?
Enzymes that use ATP to phosphorylate other nucleotides
What enzymes are present in the mitochondrial matrix?
Enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle
What is contained in the mitochondrial matrix?
- mitochondrial DNA
- ribosomes
- tRNAs & rRNAs
- enzymes
- metabolites
Describe the mitochondrial genome
- circular chromosome (double-stranded)
- 15-17 Kbps (kilo base pairs)
- encodes 37 genes
- the mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother.
Describe the process of how undesirable chemicals produced as a by-product of metabolism in the mitochondria
the debris is separated to one side of mitochondria. Fission then occurs, with one half staying healthy. The smaller & damaged mitochondria can then be targeted and an autophagosome is created.
How does mitochondria create more ATP in emergency situation?
healthy mitochondria fuses with damaged mitochondria to create more ATP (fussion).
Where are mitochondria synthesized from?
new mitochondria must arise from existing mitochondria
How does the cell regulate the level of mitochondria present?
Balances the dynamic flux between fission & fusion