Summary
The organelle that produces most of the cell's ATP through aerobic respiration, often called the powerhouse.
In depth
Mitochondria have a smooth outer membrane and a highly folded inner membrane (cristae) enclosing the matrix. The folds increase surface area for the electron transport chain and ATP synthase. The matrix holds the Krebs cycle enzymes, mitochondrial DNA and 70S-like ribosomes.
One glucose molecule can yield about 30 ATP in mitochondria compared with 2 from glycolysis alone. Mitochondria also help regulate calcium, make heat in brown fat and trigger apoptosis by releasing cytochrome c.
Mitochondria divide by fission and join by fusion, and the balance of the two shapes a network that responds to energy demand. They also take part in calcium storage, heat production in brown fat (via uncoupling protein 1), steroid synthesis and apoptosis. Human mitochondrial DNA is a circle of 16,569 base pairs coding for 37 genes.
Mitochondrial DNA is inherited almost entirely from the mother, which allows ancestry tracing along maternal lines. Because it lacks histones and has limited repair, it mutates faster than nuclear DNA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mitochondrion?
The organelle that produces most of the cell's ATP through aerobic respiration, often called the powerhouse.
Which area of biology covers Mitochondrion, and how advanced is it?
Mitochondrion is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Chloroplast, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Prokaryotic Cell.
Why does Mitochondrion matter?
They have their own circular DNA, inherited maternally, and mutations in it cause diseases that mainly affect energy-hungry tissues such as muscle and brain.
Can you give an example of Mitochondrion?
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and other mitochondrial diseases affect tissues with high energy demand such as the eye, brain and muscle.
What should I learn before Mitochondrion?
Mitochondrion is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Cell Biology that pair well with it include Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell.
What topics are related to Mitochondrion?
The closest topics to Mitochondrion are Chloroplast, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Prokaryotic Cell, Nucleus. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Mitochondrion?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Mitochondrion. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Mitochondrion different from Chloroplast?
Mitochondrion: The organelle that produces most of the cell's ATP through aerobic respiration, often called the powerhouse. Chloroplast: The green plant organelle containing chlorophyll where light energy is converted to chemical energy in photosynthesis. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Mitochondrion step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Chloroplast and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.