mitochondria
cell part where respiration takes place
Mitochondria are organelles found in eukaryotic cells, commonly referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell because they generate most of the cell’s energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). They are double-membraned organelles that produce energy by a process called cellular respiration, which occurs through a series of complex metabolic reactions.
The outer membrane of the mitochondria is made up of a phospholipid bilayer that serves as a barrier, while the inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae that increase the surface area for metabolic reactions. The mitochondrial matrix is the space enclosed by the inner membrane and contains enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle, which is one of the metabolic pathways of cellular respiration.
Mitochondria are unique because they have their own DNA and machinery to replicate independently of the cell’s nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited and has a circular structure, unlike the linear DNA in the nucleus.
In addition to their role in generating energy, mitochondria are also involved in other cellular processes such as signaling, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and calcium regulation. Dysfunction of mitochondria has been linked to various diseases, including genetic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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