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Mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells, known as the 'powerhouses of the cell' for their role in ATP production through cellular respiration. They contain their own DNA and are believed to have evolved from engulfed bacteria, as supported by the endosymbiotic theory. Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to various diseases, highlighting their importance in cellular life and health.

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3 views

BiologyNotes

Mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells, known as the 'powerhouses of the cell' for their role in ATP production through cellular respiration. They contain their own DNA and are believed to have evolved from engulfed bacteria, as supported by the endosymbiotic theory. Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to various diseases, highlighting their importance in cellular life and health.

Uploaded by

nickgrok
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mitochondria - Class Notes

Date: February 12, 2025 (Example Date)


1. Introduction:
• Mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic
cells.
• They are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" because 1 they are the primary sites
of cellular respiration, the process that generates ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's main
energy currency.
1. mn.opentran.net
mn.opentran.net
2. Structure:
• Outer Membrane: Smooth and permeable, allowing small molecules to pass through.
• Inner Membrane: Folded into cristae, increasing the surface area for ATP production. The
inner membrane is less permeable and contains many proteins involved in cellular respiration.
• Intermembrane Space: The space between the outer and inner membranes.
• Matrix: The space inside the inner membrane, containing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA),
ribosomes, enzymes, and other molecules involved in cellular respiration.
3. Function:
• Cellular Respiration: The main function of mitochondria is to produce ATP through cellular
respiration. This process involves:
• Glycolysis: Occurs in the cytoplasm, breaking down glucose into pyruvate.
• Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, further oxidizing
pyruvate and generating electron carriers (NADH and FADH2).
• Electron Transport Chain: Located on the inner mitochondrial membrane, using the
electron carriers to create a proton gradient, which drives ATP synthesis.
• Other Functions:
• Involved in other metabolic pathways, such as fatty acid oxidation.
• Role in cell signaling and apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Involved in calcium homeostasis.
4. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA):
• Mitochondria have their own circular DNA, separate from the nuclear DNA.
• mtDNA encodes some of the proteins needed for mitochondrial function.
• Mitochondrial genes are inherited maternally (from the mother).
5. Endosymbiotic Theory:
• The prevailing theory is that mitochondria evolved from free-living bacteria that were engulfed
by ancestral eukaryotic cells.
• Evidence for this includes:
• Double membrane structure.
• mtDNA and bacterial-like ribosomes.
• Ability to divide independently of the cell.
6. Importance:
• Mitochondria are essential for cellular life, providing the energy needed for various cellular
processes.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative
disorders, metabolic diseases, and aging.
7. Key Terms:
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The cell's energy currency.
• Cellular Respiration: The process of generating ATP from glucose and other molecules.
• Cristae: Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
• Matrix: The space inside the inner mitochondrial membrane.
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): DNA found in mitochondria.
• Endosymbiotic Theory: The theory that mitochondria originated from engulfed bacteria.
8. Further Exploration:
• Research on mitochondrial diseases and their impact on human health.
• Investigate the role of mitochondria in aging and cell death.
• Explore the latest advancements in mitochondrial research and their potential applications.

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