Mitochondria: History, Structure, Function

Cells are the structural and functional units of life that make up all creatures. A cell is a unit of protoplasm that is connected by plasma or cell membrane and has a nucleus. The cytoplasm and nucleus are both made up of protoplasm, which is a soul component. Mitochondria, golgi bodies, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, plastids and lysosomes are all organelles found in the cytoplasm. There are animal cell models present for developing a better understanding.

The word “cell” arrived from the Latin word “cellus,” meaning “little room.” Over one trillion cells make up the human body. Because cells are specialized to execute distinct jobs, they vary in size and shape.

Mitochondria: 

Most of the chemical energy needed to fuel the cell’s metabolic operations is produced by mitochondria, membrane-bound cell organelles. The mitochondria produce chemical energy, which is stored in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate, a tiny molecule (ATP). Each mitochondrion contains its own tiny piece of DNA.

The energy that organisms acquire from their surroundings is converted. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are the organelles of eukaryotic cells that transform energy into forms that may be used by cells. Mitochondria, also known as singular mitochondrion, are cellular respiration sites. This metabolic process generates ATP from sugars, lipids and other fuels by using oxygen.

The word mitochondria is made up of two elements. The prefix mito- stands for thread, and the suffix -chondria stands for granule. Mitochondria is the plural form of the mitochondrion.

History:

In 1850, Kollicker was the first to discover mitochondria. Benda, in 1897, gave it the name mitochondria.

Structure:

1. The form of the mitochondria is determined by the cell type. They come in a variety of shapes, including cylindrical, filamentous, and sausage-like.
2. They are about 5 µ in breadth, with a length range of 1.5 µ to 7 µ.
3. Between 200 and 300 mitochondria can be found in a single cell. The number of them will vary depending on the cell’s function and type. They are distributed evenly throughout the cytoplasm.
4. The ultrastructure of the mitochondria comprises an outer and inner membrane, two compartments, and two membranes in total.
5. In the larger compartment, one will find the mitochondrial matrix.
6. The outer limiting membrane, which surrounds the mitochondria and encloses the inner membrane, is around 60 Aº thick.
7. The inner membrane projects into the mitochondrial cavity, forming cristae, which are complicated infolding. It separates the mitochondria into two chambers:
   1. Between the inner and outer membranes is the outer chamber.
   2. The inner chamber is established by the inner membrane folding and fusing together. A material caller mitochondrial matrix fills this chamber.
8. A single circular DNA molecule, as well as a few other molecules, can be found in the matrix.
9. RNA molecules, 70S ribosomes, and the components necessary for protein synthesis.
10. Between the outer and inner membranes, there is around 80 Aº of space.

Function-

1. The mitochondria play a vital role in the metabolic process of the cell.
2. Aerobic respiration takes place in mitochondria.
3. The mitochondria’s major role is to make and conserve energy in the form of ATP, which is then released as needed.
4. Pyruvic acid is oxidized, the breakdown product of glucose to liberate energy, which is stored in the form of ATP for later use, is done by the mitochondria. Cellular respiration is another name for this process. They use ATP to generate cellular energy. As a result, they are known as the cell’s “powerhouses.”
5. They also execute a variety of other functions, such as dehydrogenation, oxidative phosphorylation, and electron transport, which are made possible by the presence of certain enzymes on membranes and their structural arrangement.
6. The mitochondria play an important role in encouraging the formation of new cells and the replication of existing ones.
7. The high concentration of ammonia in liver cells can be dangerous. The mitochondria help in the detoxification process.
8. Some blood components and hormones are formed with the help of mitochondria. E.g., oestrogen and testosterone.
9. It is important to maintain adequate calcium concentration in the cell. It is ensured with the help of mitochondria.
10. Certain cellular processes like cell signaling, cellular differentiation, and division control, as well as cell growth, are ensured with the help of mitochondria.
11. They also have ribosomes; therefore, they’re assumed to be capable of protein synthesis.
12. Only the mother’s mitochondria, and thus mitochondrial DNA, are inherited.