Diagram of Mitochondria

What is Mitochondria?

The word mitochondria in Geek language stands for “mitos” and “chondrion” which means “thread” and “granules-like” respectively. Mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) is present in the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells and has a double membrane covering. They have their own DNA and hence are called semi-autonomous organelles like the chloroplast. The mitochondria are called the powerhouse of the cell because their main function is to produce ATP for the cell so that the cell can perform metabolic activities....

Characteristics of Mitochondria

Following are some of the characteristics of mitochondria;...

Diagram of Mitochondria

The diagram illustrating the structural feature of mitochondria:...

Structure of Mitochondria

Different shapes of mitochondria can be seen in different species of plants and animals. Proteins and phospholipids bilayers form the outer and inner membranes of mitochondria. Different functions are assigned to these two different membranes. ATP production increases in mitochondria due to the folding in its inner membrane. They have five distinct components due to double membrane organization....

Functions of Mitochondria

The primary function of the mitochondria is to generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Other functions of mitochondria are:...

Mitochondrial Disease

If mitochondria are not working properly it will directly affect the human. Symptoms of mitochondrial disease vary from person to person. In some cases, ineffective mitochondria lead to organ failure in severe cases. Examples of Mitochondrial disease are:...

Mitochondrial DNA

A genetically distinct form of DNA that is independent of the nuclear DNA is found in the mitochondria. This double stranded DNA is either circular or linear and codes for all the genetic information required for the mitochondria. This specific DNA of mitochondria that has around 16500 base pairs is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA. In most of the sexually reproducing organisms it is obtained from mother and does not have any paternal information. Compared to the nuclear chromosome it is very small and regulates only the mitochondrial functions related to RNA formation, ribsome synthesis and ribosomal functioning....

Key Points on Mitochondria

Following are some of the key points on mitochondria;...

FAQs on Mitochondria

1. What is the other name of Mitochondria?...