Structure and Function of the Mitochondria

Structure of Mitochondria Organelle with two membranes Found in both Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells In humans all of your mitochondria come from your mother Have their own DNA

Structure is a double membrane with many folds on the inner membrane

Function of the Mitochondria “Powerhouse of the cell” Convert chemical energy stored in food into forms that the cell can use Site of cellular respiration

Cellular Respiration C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O Memorize this formula In words: The bonds in Sugar are broken apart. Energy is released and Carbon Dioxide and water are given off as waste

The energy released is not directly usable by the cell. It is used to convert ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) to ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Energy

When ATP releases the phosphate energy is released that the cell can use

Endosymbiotic Hypothesis Symbionts live together in a situation in which both benefit Get this – mitochondria have their own DNA and ribosomes They also divide just like bacteria Sooo – it could be that mitochondria are bacteria that invaded eukaryotic cells. Both would benefit

All of your mitochondrial DNA came originally from your mother.