Mitochondria
the organelle where aerobic respiration occurs
Mitochondria are organelles found in most eukaryotic cells, including those of animals and humans. They are known as the powerhouses of the cell due to their essential role in cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients into energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Structure:
Mitochondria are oval-shaped organelles with an outer and an inner membrane separated by an intermembrane space. The inner membrane is highly folded and contains many enzymes involved in the electron transport chain (ETC) in cellular respiration. These folds, called cristae, increase the surface area of the inner membrane, allowing for more efficient ATP production. The matrix, which is enclosed by the inner membrane, contains enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle, which also produces ATP.
Function:
The primary function of the mitochondria is to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. This process involves the breakdown of nutrients, such as glucose, through a series of reactions that ultimately produce ATP. Mitochondria can produce ATP through both aerobic respiration, which requires the presence of oxygen, and anaerobic respiration, which does not require oxygen.
Apart from ATP production, mitochondria are also involved in several other important functions. They play a crucial role in cellular apoptosis or programmed cell death, calcium signaling, and the regulation of cellular metabolism and energy balance. Furthermore, mitochondria are also involved in the synthesis of heme, a vital component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.
Dysfunction:
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to a variety of diseases, ranging from genetic disorders such as Leigh syndrome to age-related conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction has also been implicated in cellular aging and the development of cancer.
More Answers:
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Aerobic Respiration: How Cells Produce Energy Efficiently through Glucose Breakdown and the ATP Generating Pathways