Question

Describe the structure of mitochondria with the help of a diagram.

Answer 1

• Mitochondria has a double wall membranous structure. The membranes are composed of phospholipids and protein.
• The space between the outer and inner membrane is known as periplastidial space.
• The outer membrane has special proteins known as porins. It is freely permeable to nutrient molecules, ions, energy molecules like the ATP and ADP molecules. It is 60 to 75 angstroms () thick.
• The inner membrane folds inwards to form finger-like projection known as cristae which help to increase the surface area for absorption. It is studed with F1 particles or oxysomes which help in oxidative phosphorylation.
• The two membranes enclose a fluid which is known as matrix. It is a complex mixture of proteins and enzymes. These enzymes are important for the synthesis of ATP molecules, mitochondrial ribosomes, tRNAs and mitochondrial DNA.
• It has its own DNA which is mainly used for genetic modification.