III. THE EUKARYOTIC CELL
MITOCHONDRIA
The overall purpose of this Learning Object is to learn the chemical makeup and the functions associated with the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.
Mitochondria (def) (see Fig. 31, Fig. 30, and Fig. 32)
Mitochondria are rod-shaped structures ranging from 2 to 8 micrometers in length. They are found throughout the cytoplasm and may account for up to 20% of the cell's volume. Mitochondria are surrounded by two membranes. The outer membrane forms the exterior of the organelle while the inner membrane is arranged in a series of folds called cristae to provide an enormous surface area for chemical reactions. The space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes is called the intermembrane space while the compartment enclosed by the inner mitochondrial membrane is called the matrix. Mitochondria replicate giving rise to new mitochondria as they grow and divide. They also have their own DNA and ribosomes.
Mitochondria function during aerobic respiration to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation (def). The respiratory enzymes and electron carriers for the electron transport system are located within the inner mitochondria membrane. The enzymes for the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) are located in the matrix.
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Updated: Aug. 24, 2004