Describe the structure of Mitochandria.

Explanation

Mitochondria :
(i) Mitochondria are organelles within eukaryotic cells that produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which form the energy currency of the cell.
(ii) The mitochondria is referred to as the "Power house of the cell"
Structure of mitochondira :
(i) Mitochondrial membrenes : It consists two membranes called · inner and outer membrane. Each membrane is 60- 70 Å thick.
(ii) Outer mitochondrial membrane is smooth and freely permeable to most small molecules.
(iii) I t contains enzymes , proteins and lipids.

(iv) It has porin mo lecules (proteins) which form channels for passage of molecules through it.
(v) Inner mitochondrial membrane is semi permeable membrane and regulates the passage of materials into and out of the mitochondria.
(vi) It is rich in enzymes and carrier proteins.
Cristae :
(i) The inner mitochondrial membrane gives rise to finger like projections called cristae.
(ii) These cristae increase the inner surface area (fold in inner membrane) of the mitochondria to hold variety of enzymes.
Oxysomes :
i) The inner mitochondrial membrane bear minute regularly spaced tennis racket shaped particles known as oxysomes (`F_1` particle).
(ii ) They involve in ATP synthesis.