mitokondriaalista

Mitochondria list (plural mitochondria) are membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. They are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" because their primary function is to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that serves as the main source of chemical energy for cellular processes. This energy production occurs through a process called cellular respiration, which involves the breakdown of glucose and other fuel molecules in the presence of oxygen.

Mitochondria have a unique structure, characterized by a double membrane. The outer membrane is smooth and encloses the entire organelle. The inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, which significantly increase the surface area for ATP synthesis. The space within the inner membrane is called the mitochondrial matrix, which contains enzymes, ribosomes, and mitochondrial DNA.

Beyond energy production, mitochondria play roles in various other cellular functions, including calcium homeostasis, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and the synthesis of certain molecules like heme and steroids. They are also involved in regulating cell metabolism and influencing the cell cycle.

Mitochondria are thought to have originated from an ancient symbiotic event where a host cell engulfed a free-living bacterium. This theory, known as the endosymbiotic theory, is supported by the fact that mitochondria possess their own DNA, which is circular and similar to bacterial DNA, and they can divide independently of the cell. Genetic defects in mitochondrial function can lead to a range of inherited diseases.