What is mitochondria and its structure?

The mitochondrion is a double-membraned, rod-shaped structure found in both plant and animal cell. Its size ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometre in diameter. The structure comprises an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a gel-like material called the matrix.

What does the mitochondria look do?

Mitochondria have two membranes (protective coverings) one surrounding the other, called the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. The inner membrane is highly folded and forms structures called cristae, the machinery for energy generation can be found on these cristae.

What is the mitochondria structure made of?

A mitochondrion contains outer and inner membranes composed of phospholipid bilayers and proteins. The two membranes have different properties.

Why is the structure of mitochondria important?

The cristae greatly increase the total surface area of the inner membrane. The membranes create two compartments. The intermembrane space, as implied, is the region between the inner and outer membranes. It has an important role in the primary function of mitochondria, which is oxidative phosphorylation.

What are the characteristics of mitochondria?

Characteristics of Mitochondria (i) The mitochondria are sausage-shaped or cylindrical having a diameter of 0.2-1.0 µm and average 0.5 µm and length 1.0-4.1 µm. (ii) Each mitochondrion is a double membrane bound structure. (iii) The inner compartment is called the matrix.

Are mitochondria bean shaped?

Mitochondria are familiar as bean-shaped structures floating in the cytoplasm, and they are almost inevitably referred to as “powerhouses” of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel for most metabolic processes.

How structure of mitochondria relates to its function?

The structure of the mitochondrion is adapted to the function it performs: Outer membrane – the outer membrane contains transport proteins that enable the shuttling of pyruvate from the cytosol. Inner membrane – contains the electron transport chain and ATP synthase (used for oxidative phosphorylation)

What are the layered structures that look like folds in the mitochondria called?

The wrinkles, or folds, are organized into lamillae (layers), called the cristae (singlular: crista). The cristae greatly increase the total surface area of the inner membrane. The larger surface area makes room for many more of the above-named structures than if the inner membrane were shaped like the outer membrane.

What is the structure and function of mitochondria Class 9?

Mitochondria are round “tube-like” organelles that provide energy to a cell in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) for performing different chemical activities for the sustainance of life. The mitochondria is also called powerhouse of the cell. It is surrounded by two membranes.

What color are mitochondria?

Mitochondria, from liver, concentrated in a pellet are opaque and distinctly yellow in color but when dehydrated and cleared become a transparent red.

What do chloroplasts look like?

Chloroplasts are mostly oval-shaped blobs, but they can come in shapes like stars and ribbons too. They are protected by a smooth outer membrane which holds all of its material. These plastids also contain the pigment chlorophyll. This pigment is what gives plants their green color.

Why do mitochondria differ in appearance?

Usually the lower the numbers of mitochondria per cell, the larger are the individual organelles. In many electron photomicrographs, mitochondria appear to be dumbbell-shaped or racket-shaped. These odd shapes may be a reflection of the fission process by which mitochondria are believed to proliferate.