“The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”
The following occurs within the mitochondria:
- Citric acid cycle
- ATP production
Stems from the prokaryotic ancestors resulted in a double layer of membrane and circular DNA (mtDNA)
Structure of the mitochondria
The mitochondria are composed of the following components:
- A double layer of a phospholipid membrane forming two compartments with
- an inner matrix and
- an intermembrane space, serving for the separation of the biochemical processes.
Within the inner matrix, internal invaginations of the inner membrane form
4. cristae, which increase the surface area;
within the inner membrane, you will find the
5. terminal oxidation relating protein complexes (Fe-S-cluster proteins containing metals) and the ATP synthase (F0F1) (Figure 1).
Functions and related metabolic processes
The primary role of the mitochondria is the production of ATP, the source of energy. But that’s not the only thing that happens within there.
- DNA and protein