Why do mitochondria have a small diameter?

Mitochondria are remarkably dynamic. In order to keep their size uniform, they constantly undergo fusion (in which several mitochondria will combine into one) and fission (in which they split apart). This caused the normally small axonal mitochondria to increase in length by five-to-ten-fold.”

Why do mitochondria vary size?

Most mitochondria are ovoid bodies having a diameter between 0.5 and 1.0 µm and a length up to 7 µm. Usually the lower the numbers of mitochondria per cell, the larger are the individual organelles. These odd shapes may be a reflection of the fission process by which mitochondria are believed to proliferate.

What is the length and diameter of mitochondria?

This allows 15 times more ATP to be made than that produced by glycolysis alone. Mitochondria are usually depicted as stiff, elongated cylinders with a diameter of 0.5–1 μm, resembling bacteria.

Are mitochondria variable in shape and size?

Question : In terms of shape and size of mitochondria , considerable degree of variability is observed. The number of mitochondria per cell is variable depending on the. In terms of shape and size of mitochondria considerable degree of variability is observed.

Why the number of mitochondria varies in different cells?

The number of mitochondria in a cell depends on the cell’s function. Cells with particularly heavy energy demands, such as muscle cells, have more mitochondria than other cells. The main function of the mitochondria is to provide energy for cellular activity by the process of aerobic respiration.

Why do smaller cells need more mitochondria?

Terms in this set (46) Why do large cells need more mitochondria? Mitochondria is place for cellular respiration. More mitochondria = more ATP produced.

Why are some mitochondria smaller than others?

In most living cells mitochondria are circular in cross-section, but in three dimensions they range from ovals to lattices with many branches. When they are isolated the larger structures are broken up into smaller pieces that are bean-shaped.

What is the diameter of mitochondria in a micron?

Mitochondria are about 1.5 microns long and 0.5 microns in diameter.

What is the principal role of the mitochondria in cells?

Known as the “powerhouses of the cell,” mitochondria produce the energy necessary for the cell’s survival and functioning. Through a series of chemical reactions, mitochondria break down glucose into an energy molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used to fuel various other cellular processes.

Are mitochondria easily visible under the microscope?

Mitochondria are visible under the light microscope although little detail can be seen. Transmission electron microscopy (left) shows the complex internal membrane structure of mitochondria, and electron tomography (right) gives a three-dimensional view.

Why is mitochondria not visible under the microscope?

However, most organelles are not clearly visible by light microscopy, and those that can be seen (such as the nucleus, mitochondria and Golgi) can’t be studied in detail because their size is close to the limit of resolution of the light microscope.

Does the number of mitochondria inside a cell remain constant over the life of a cell?

The number of mitochondria present in a cell depends upon the metabolic requirements of that cell, and may range from a single large mitochondrion to thousands of the organelles.

What determines the size of mitochondria in a cell?

The size of cell also depends on the functional stage of the cell. Very thin mitochondria, about 0.2µ, or thick rods 2µ are also seen. The size and shape of the fixed mitochondria are determined by the osmotic pressure and pH of the fixative. In acid, mitochondria are fragmented and become vesicular.

Why do mitochondria appear to be dumbbell-shaped?

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.

How many stalk less particles are in a mitochondrion?

Those on the outer membrane were described as being stalk less and were called the subunits of Parson. There may be as many as 10,000 to 100,000 particles per mitochondrion. However, recent studies have shown that stalk less particles are absent.

What is the size of mitochondria in rat liver?

Mitochondria, in the rat-liver, are usually 3.3µ in length; in mammalian exocrine pancreas, they are about 10µ in length and in oocytes of Amphibis, they are approximately of the length of 20 to 40µ.