What is Mitochondria and Its Function

Mitochondria

Mitochondria referred as a power house of cell because they generate most of energy (in the form ATP).  A cell may have large number of mitochondria.

Mitochondria consist of an outer membrane and inner membrane. Between the membrane, fluid is present. 

Fluid is filled in mitochondria cavity, called mitochondrial matrix. Tubular like structures are form in inner mitochondrial membrane that know as mitochondrial cristae. F1 particles are present on cristae. Ribosomes are free in mitochondrial matrix.

Function of mitochondria 

• Supplying cellular energy. 
• Kreb’s cycle occur in mitochondria. 
• Mitochondria maintaining control of the cell cycle and cell growth.
• Regulate cellular metabolism.
• Mitochondria play a important role in apoptosis (programmed of cell death).
• Calcium ions are stored in mitochondria.
• Steroid synthesis take place in mitochondria. 
• Mitochondria is sites of several metabolic reactions.

Metabolic reaction in outer mitochondrial membrane 

• Oxidation of epinephrine. 
• Degradation of tryptophan.
• Elongation of fatty acids.

Metabolic reaction in inner mitochondrial membrane 

• Oxidation of phosphorylation.

Metabolic reaction in mitochondrial matrix 

• kreb’s cycle.
• Beta oxidation. 
• Detoxification of ammonia in urea cycle.
• Storage of calcium ion.