The structure of the mitochondria is extremely important to the functioning of the organelle. It has two membranes, a smooth outer membrane, and a convoluted inner membrane which allows cristae to be formed. Between the two membranes is a narrow intermembrane space and within the inner membrane is a larger internal matrix. Both contain a complex mix of specialised proteins. The outer membrane acts like a filter by having channels that prevent large particles from passing through. The inner membrane, like the outer one, allows particles to pass through, although it is much more selective. To guarantee that only the correct molecules get to the matrix, the inner membrane uses transport proteins. Mitochondria’s role within the cell is to perform aerobic respiration (respiration in the presence of oxygen) to create ATP (adenosine 5′‐triphosphate) which is then transported around the cell to be used as chemical energy. The enzyme used to make the ATP is housed within the inner membrane which is why the convoluted shape is necessary. This shape maximises the surface area, and therefore maximises the amount of ATP that is generated. Within cells that are highly active such as muscle cells, the concentration of mitochondria is much greater as more energy is
The structure of the mitochondria is extremely important to the functioning of the organelle. It has two membranes, a smooth outer membrane, and a convoluted inner membrane which allows cristae to be formed. Between the two membranes is a narrow intermembrane space and within the inner membrane is a larger internal matrix. Both contain a complex mix of specialised proteins. The outer membrane acts like a filter by having channels that prevent large particles from passing through. The inner membrane, like the outer one, allows particles to pass through, although it is much more selective. To guarantee that only the correct molecules get to the matrix, the inner membrane uses transport proteins. Mitochondria’s role within the cell is to perform aerobic respiration (respiration in the presence of oxygen) to create ATP (adenosine 5′‐triphosphate) which is then transported around the cell to be used as chemical energy. The enzyme used to make the ATP is housed within the inner membrane which is why the convoluted shape is necessary. This shape maximises the surface area, and therefore maximises the amount of ATP that is generated. Within cells that are highly active such as muscle cells, the concentration of mitochondria is much greater as more energy is