What is the function of mitochondria?

Mitochondria are cellular powerhouse eukaryotic cells. The main function of mitochondria is the production of adenosine triposphate (ATP) a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. ATP is a nucleotide that stores energy in the form of chemical bonds. The energy is derived from cell nutrients, mostly from glucose and fatty acids, and is released whenever it is needed by energy function of cells. These cellular functions requiring energy are the transport of membranes, synthesis of compounds for metabolic reactions and mechanical work. They are flexible and in the shape of the rod and their diameter ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometer. The Mitochondrion membrane system consists of a smooth outer mitochondrial membrane and a composite internal mitochondrial membrane, a separate space called intermembrane space. Matrix Space or InterCristal Space are a large spa enclosed by an inner membrane. Each of these components plays an important role in cellular function and contributes to the main function of mitochondria. Can allow molecules whoThey are as large as 10 kilodals and small as 6,000 Daltons. This membrane is relatively permeable for ions and small molecules, so the content of the intermembrane space resembles cytosol.

Yet the main function of mitochondria is found in the inner mitochondrial membrane and matrix space. The inner mitochondrial membrane is folded into Cristae, which provides a larger surface area for synthesis, etc. This membrane has a large number of cardiolipins, which are phospholipids that make the latter almost impermeable protons, electrons and ions. In this membrane there are also ATP synthase and respiratory chains, both protein complexes. ATP synthase is responsible for ATP generation, while respiratory chains maintain a proton gradient that provides energy for oxidative phosphorylation.

Matrical space is filled with a dense fluid mostly composed of enzymes responsible fromand degradation of fatty acids and pyruvate into metabolic acetyl coenzyme and subsequent oxidation of this intermediate in Krebs or tricarboxylic acid. Pyruvate is an initial product of glucose metabolism, which occurs in cytosol, which is then transported to mitochondria. The matric space also contains a mitochondrial genetic system, a two -grain mitochondrial circular deoxyribonucleic acid (CDNA) and enzymes necessary for the expression of the mitochondrial genome. Although it has its own genetic system, the necessary proteins coded by the gene needed to create mitochondria function is normal in the cell genome.