What is mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the plural of mitochondrion. A mitochondrion is a cell organelle found in eukaryotic organisms. The name mitochondrion comes from the Greek word Mitos which means, thread and Chondrion which means granule It has a double membrane and is responsible for the supply of the Adenosine Triphosphate that is used as a chemical energy source. The energy is a result of transformation of the proteins, fats and sugars. 

Mitochondria can be defined as the powerhouse a cell depends on. These are small kind of structures found inside the cell and are composed of a matrix and two membranes. The matrix is responsible for holding some fluid while the membranes allow occurrence of chemical reactions. Mitochondria form part of the eukaryotic cells. Majorly, the mitochondria in a cell are responsible of performing cellular respiration. What this means is that the powerhouse takes nutrients from that cell then breaks those nutrients down so as to produce energy. That energy is all what a cell needs so as to run its normal functions. 

Different cells contain varied numbers of the mitochondria. This number is determined by the much energy that given cell mainly requires. If a cell needs more energy, it will definitely have more of the mitochondria. The cell is able to produce additional mitochondria if it needs more of them. As well, a cell can combine various mitochondria so as to come up with larger mitochondria. 

Functions Of Mitochondria 

Mitochondria generate Adenosine Triphosphate which is used as a chemical energy source. Energy is important for any organism to carry out its functions. This means that mitochondria are very important in the body since they provide around 90% of the energy that is required by the body. 

Other functions of mitochondria include breaking down the harmful waste products to less harmful substances, producing chemicals that the body needs and also the recycling of some waste products. They also help in death of cells. This process is also known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is crucial for both growth and development to take place. The death of some cells ensures that cells do not replicate uncontrollably leading to cancers. This means that mitochondria are targets of the anti-cancer drugs. To convert the food substances to energy, mitochondria require oxygen, in a process called oxidative phosphorylation.

Mitochondria are seen as the cell’s powerhouse. They are different in number according to the needs of the cells. These needs are established by the cell type, tissue and the organism itself. Cells that require more energy have a higher concentration of mitochondria than those that require less energy. Mitochondria can replicate to be adequate when needed by a particular cell. On top of this, they can join together to form one big mitochondria to cater for this same energy requirements. 

Outer Membrane 

The mitochondrion contains both inner and outer membranes which are made of a protein layer sandwiched between two phospholipid layers. It also contains porins. The outer membrane’s task is to enclose the entire to avoid cell death. This occurs when the contents spill outside the cell which causes death of the cell. The inner membrane contains plenty of enzymes that help in conversion of foods intro adenosine triphosphate. 

Inner Membrane 

The inner membrane encloses the proteins in the cell. It is also permeable unlike the external layer. It is a highly impermeable membrane thus molecules require a special kind of transportation to get past it. The inner membrane has folding that are called cristae, which enhance its surface area. 

Matrix 

The space enclosed by the inner membrane is the matrix. It aids in the production of the adenosine triphosphate. It contains plenty of enzymes that yield in conversion of fatty acids as well as pyruvate. The mitochondria can manufacture their own proteins. 

The Cristae 

These are the folding made by the inner membrane. They are many thus increasing surface area for energy productions. They make the inner membrane even five times larger than the outer membrane in some cells.

The mitochondrion is a very crucial organelle without which the human cell cannot survive. They are inherited from the egg that forms the zygote. This means that only the maternal parent contributes to the mitochondria that later replicate as your body grows.