CHAPTER 2 STRUCTURES

OF CELLS AND
ORGANELLES
2.2 Cellular Components
MITOCHONDRIA

LABELLED DIAGRAMS

LABELLED DIAGRAMS

STRUCTURE OF
MITOCHONDRIA

All eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria.

Number of mitochondria varies and depends on
the type of organisms as well as the nature of
the cell.
The shape and size of mitochondria vary.
They may be spherical, elongated or cupshaped, but generally cylindrical.
Their sizes range from 1.5-10 m in length and
0.25-1.00 m in width.
Animal cell have larger number of mitochondria
than plant cell because they are more active.

 They have 65-75% protein,25-35% lipid

and about 0.5% of nucleic acids.
Each mitochondrion is bounded by an
envelope which consist of two membranes
(outer membrane and inner membrane)
which are separated by a narrow fluid-filled
space called the intermembrane space.
The inner membrane is folded extensively
into shelves called cristae (increase the
surface area of the mitochondrion and
provide space for the components of the
respiratory chain in the membrane as well
as the stalked particles.

 The interior of mitochondrion is filled with a

fluid called mitochondrial matrix which
contains enzymes,DNA, RNA, ribosomes and
calcium phosphate granules.
The surface of cristae facing the matrix is
covered with stalked particles.
Each particle consists of a head piece, stalk
and base.
The head contains ATPase and is the site for
the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate(ATP).
Each mitochondrion can divide to form two
mitochondria when the cells become active or
just before cell division.
The cell division cannot occur outside the
cells,as it requires enzyme codes by the
nucleus.

FUNCTIONS OF
MITOCHONDRIA
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cell.
Involved in generating chemical energy in the
form of ATP fro food such as glucose through
aerobic metabolism to make high-energy
compounds that cells can use in growth,
development and reproduction.
Carry out Krebs cycle, part of cellular
respiration within their matrices.
Carry out oxidation and complete breakdown of
fatty acid into CO2 and H2O to release energy.

 Carry out oxidation and complete

breakdown of amino acids.
Carry out oxidative phosphorylation,
which produces ATP from ADP and
phosphate.
Produce their own proteins from DNA
with the help of RNA. The proteins
are those required for the oxidative
process.

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