- Cellular Respiration and the Mitochondrion
- Cellular (tissue) respiration: the process by which chemical energy from organic molecules (e.g. glucose) is made available to cells as ATP, with or without oxygen. Most ATP is produced in the mitochondrion.
Structure of the Mitochondrion
- Bounded by two membranes (outer and inner) separated by the intermembrane space; the inner membrane folds inward into cristae.
- Cristae increase surface area for enzyme activity and hold the electron transport chain components; the matrix contains the Krebs cycle enzymes, mitochondrial DNA, RNA and 70S ribosomes, and is a site for fatty acid oxidation.
Adaptations of the Mitochondrion
- Folded inner membrane (cristae) gives a large surface area for enzyme activity; the outer membrane is smooth and permeable, letting substances enter; the fluid matrix holds the ions/enzymes needed for the Krebs cycle.