Mitochondria
The organelles known as mitochondria are where the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. They are essential components for almost all the cells present in our bodies.
It is a double membrane-bound organelle that uses aerobic respiration.
They can quickly change shape and move within the cell when required.
Mitochondria are parts of cells that transform nutrients into a form that cells can consume.
It was first discovered in 1857 by a physiologist, Albert von Kolliker.
Mitochondria are made of two membranes. The outer one covers the entire organelle, whereas the inner membrane folds several times and creates layered structures.
A heart muscle has the most mitochondria, about 5,000 per cell.
They contain their DNA in general.
They are no longer free-living symbionts, but some essential genes have been incorporated into the hosts, and some remain within the mitochondria.
Function of Mitochondria
They provide energy to carry out biochemical reactions and other cellular processes and make energy for cells from the energy stored in the food we eat daily. Different types of mitochondria produce different proteins.
- It is a storage of Ca2+ ions.
- It produces heat.
- The mitochondria have an important role in many other metabolic tasks
- Mitochondria have an important role (or roles) in many different metabolic tasks, including animal cells and plant cells as well
- The typical number of mitochondria per cell is around 200
