Mitochondria are microscopic bodies occurring in cytoplasm of every cell in varying numbers (upto 2500). Mitochondria are the site of chemical events that supply the energy to the cell. So they are generally known as the power house of cell. They are 0.2- 0.3µ in size and spheres to rods in shape. They are always found in a dynamic state. Each mitochondrion has a double layer envelope with an outer and an inner membrane. Each membrane being about 50-70Å thick. The two membranes are generally 60-100Å apart from each other. The inner membrane extends into the interior of the cavity forming a series of folds, called cristae. Thus each mitochondrion contains two cavities. The outer cavity found in between the two membranes is called the outer compartment remains filled by the fluid rich in coenzyme while the cavity limited by the inner membrane is known as inner compartment, remains filled by matrix. The matrix is normally homogenous but it contains granules of 300-500Å diameter. There are very small particles adhered to the outside of the outer membrane and the inside the inner membrane. Each particle consists of a base (80 Å diameter), a stalk (33 Å length) and a head (80 Å diameter). The length of a complete particle is about 160 Å.
Functions:
1. Acts as the site of TCA cycle and oxidative photophosphorylation and production of ATP.
2. Fat synthesis also takes place in mitochondria.
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