Mitochondria
“Powerhouse” or “Energy producer”; makes ATP through cell respiration
Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. They are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through a process called cellular respiration. Mitochondria contain their own DNA and are believed to have evolved from ancient bacteria that were engulfed by larger cells through a process called endosymbiosis.
The structure of mitochondria includes an outer membrane and an inner membrane that forms folds called cristae. The interior of the mitochondria is filled with a fluid called the matrix, which contains enzymes involved in the process of cellular respiration. Mitochondria also contain small ribosomes and DNA, allowing for the production of a few essential proteins by the organelle itself.
The process of cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria, involves a series of reactions that convert glucose and oxygen into ATP. This process includes the reactions of glycolysis in the cytoplasm of the cell, followed by the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. The electron transport chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and generates ATP by moving electrons through a series of protein complexes.
Mitochondria play a central role in many processes in the cell, including apoptosis, signaling, and calcium homeostasis. They also play a crucial role in the production of reactive oxygen species, which can contribute to aging and disease. Dysfunctional mitochondria have been linked to a number of human diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
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