MITOCHONDRIA
Main function of mitochondria:
The main function of mitochondria, which are organelles also known as the
powerhouse of the cell, is to produce energy. While they’re present in the
thousands in each cell of the body, the exact number varies in different cell
types. They are responsible for generating 90 percent of the energy that we
need for all other functions of the body. They use the oxygen that we inhale
and convert the nutrients of food into energy. (MedicineNet, 2021)
The other functions of mitochondria include:
Apoptosis is a natural process in which the cells die. Mitochondria help
decide which cells should die.
Storing calcium: Mitochondria hold the calcium ions and release them
when needed. (TeachMePhysiology2021)
Mitochondrial DNA - is inherited from the mother. The mitochondrial
DNA is circular rather than linear like the DNA in our nucleus, and it
contains 37 genes required for appropriate mitochondrial function.
The matrix- plays a critical role in energy production because it is
where the citric acid or Krebs cycle takes place.
Intermembrane space - is often referred to as mitochondrial space.
It is essential for mitochondrial energetics and apoptosis (the process
of programmed cell death).
The outer membrane covers the surface of the mitochodrion while
the inner membrane has many folds which is located within, the folds
are important as it holds the protein involved in electron transport
chain. (Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology1970)
TRIVIA: Mitochondria is a double membrane-bound organelle found
in all eukaryotic organisms. Mitochondria are too small to be seen
by a light microscope. Mitochondria are unique because they have
a double membrane.
RIBOSOMES Structure: The ribosome has a small, dotted, and beaded appearance. The
ribosome is built of two equal sub-particles, or the large and the small ribosomal
subunits. Both are built from RNA strands and protein.
Function: Inside the cell, the ribosome is where protein synthesis happens. The ribosome
has an important task to achieve and it is to translate the genetic code of a string of
amino acids so that it can be formed into various proteins.
TRIVIA: According to the article "The Structure and
Function of Eukaryotic Ribosome", a eukaryotic ribosome is
much larger compared to its prokaryotic counterpart.
CRISTAE Structure: The cristae is one of the two regions alongside the inner membrane
that can be found inside of the mitochondrion.
Function: The main role of the cristae in the mitochondria is to increase and maximize the
capacity of the mitochondria to synthesize ATP. The fold of the cristae helps to achieve
the role of the cristae since these folds allow a much greater amount of ATP synthase and
electron transport chain enzymes to be stored inside the mitochondrion itself
(Visible Body Learn Anatomy2022)
Trivia: The cristae is derived from a Latin word
that means crest or plume.
References
Dr. Jasmine Shaikh
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_main_function_of_mitochon
dria/article.htm?
fbclid=IwAR2m87JDB33Z7HjKi_WoNhNr7BYGeG8CmCbXATQZn_ghqroz
Acik6cODsg4
Mitochondria - Structure - Function
https://teachmephysiology.com/histology/cell-
structures/mitochondria/?
fbclid=IwAR0wMK_n3xVjXlfk0z3bHS2OWPwKpol0mZBWk7wP5A1uPUFv
GTpCdXk4Dyk
Daniel N. Wilson
Wilson1
https://cshperspectives.cshlp.org/content/4/5/a011536.short?
fbclid=IwAR2ElqppLnq9NuXeI2r__uDYdVQGRq_bJYlngqB6pResSSAYHy
Q26A56QWY
Body
https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/biology/cells/cell-overview?
fbclid=IwAR2uLSVJw93621OmMlAhXucwfBQapddyrnMTL9kquRvymO9
VVWbboBousY4
Group members:
Aaron Charles Escote
Alain Paul II B. Auman
Mel Angelic B. Yu
Cassiopeia Antonette Y. Mamato
Sabrina Shaiyenne E. Martin
Ma. Luz B. Lagrimaz
