Eukaryotes - Mitochondria

Description:

Mitochondria are absent in prokaryotes but present in all eukaryotic cells except mature and old mammalian RBCs. Mitochondrion are the second largest cellular structures. The number of mitochondria present per cell depends on the physiological activity of the cells.

Mitochondria are double membrane bound structures. The outer and the inner membrane divide its lumen distinctly into two aqueous compartments.

The inner compartment is called matrix. The inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called cristae towards the matrix. It increases the surface area.

Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration and produce ATP hence called the power house of the cells.

The matrix of mitochondria possess single circular DNA molecule, a few RNA molecules, ribosome and components required for protein synthesis.