Mitochondrion
The mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria) is a relatively large sausage-shaped organelle. Like the nucleus, it is surrounded by a double-layered membrane. The inner membrane has many folds called cristae. Because the enzymes required for ATP production are located here, a more convoluted inner surface would mean a greater surface area and therefore greater efficiency. The area within the inner membrane is called the matrix, here is where most of the metabolic reactions take place.
The primary function of the mitochondrion is cellular respiration. This organelle converts fats and sugars into ATP (energy source used by cells) with the help of oxygen. The formula for cellular respiration is: Glucose + O2 -> CO2 + H2O + ATP Because mitochondria is so important in making ATP, organs/muscles that use a lot of energy tends to have more mitochondria than their less active counterparts. An interesting fact is that mitochondria have their own DNA, which allows them to reproduce by splitting in half. In fact, they make their own proteins. Many biologists believe that mitochondria evolved from bacteria living inside eukaryotic cells, but then lost the ability to live outside the cell on its own. |