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Functions of Mitochondria
What is Mitochondria?
Mitochondria is a double membrane-bound cell organelle found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells such as animals, plants, and fungi. It was observed first in 1857 by Albert von Kölliker. The outer membrane in mitochondria is very porous while the inner membrane is deeply folded to form a finger-like projection called cristae. Mitochondria is a self-replicating organelle of a cell in biology that creates a large surface area for ATP-generating biochemical reactions. In animals, it is the largest organelle of a cell. Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell because it generates energy for various biological activities.
Mitochondria play an important role in breaking down nutrients and generating energy-rich molecules for the cell in biology. Many of the biochemical reactions in living organisms take place within the mitochondria. The name ‘mitochondrion’ was derived from the Greek words mitos means thread and chondrion means granules-like.
Structure of Mitochondria
The main structural features of Mitochondria are:
- The mitochondrion is a double-membraned, rod-shaped structure found in all eukaryotic cells such as plant and animal cells.
- The size of this cell organelle is from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometers in diameter.