What is the Structure and Function of Mitochondria

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What is the Structure and Function of Mitochondria

Mitochondria :
A single mitochondrion is present in unicellular green alga, Microsterias. Number of mitochondria varies from 50­–50,000 per cell. Mitochondria of a cell are collectively known as chondriome.

Historical Account :
C. Benda (1897) gave the name Mitochondria (Mitos, thread + Chondrion, granules).
Term ‘Bioplast’ for mitochondria was used by Altman.

Ultrastructure :                

  • Mitochondria are rod shaped organelles,  bounded by a double membrane envelope.
  • The outer membrane is smooth, the inner membrane surrounds a central cavity of matrix. Central cavity is filled with jel like substances.

What is the Structure and Function of Mitochondria 1

  • Inner membranes folds are called cristae, these folding are tubular and called microvilli.
  • Mitochondria contain electron transport systems aggregated into compact structure. F1 particles or oxysome, tennis racket like bodies on inner membrane involved in oxidation & phosphorylation.
  • Kreb’s cycle occurs in mitochondria.
  • Each particle is made up of base, stalk and head.

Functions of Mitochondria :

  • Mitochodria are called power plants or power houses or cellular  furnaces.
  • Synthesis of ATP (Adenosine Tri-phosphate) in mitochondria is called oxidative phosphorylation.
  • Mitochondria as place of cellular respiration was first observed by Hogeboom.

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