What Is Mitochondria?

Learn about the power plant of every cell, the mitochondria. Through a few concise paragraphs you are sure to discover everything you need to know about the fascinating biological nature of these organelles. Read about their role in the cell and in your body and take a step closer to understanding the complex mechanisms that work within the human organism.

Role in the cell

Mitochondria are known as cellular power plants because they produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of fuel for various chemical reactions and processes. They contribute to the process of regulating the metabolism of a cell. Though these two process are their main roles, they are not the only functions mitochondria have in the body. These organelles also function in cellular differentiation, cell apoptosis and the aging process of the organism.

Structure

Mitochondria are very small structures composed chiefly of proteins and phospholipid bilayers. They have an inner membrane and outer membrane that enclose the various mechanisms at work inside the multiple tunnels of the organelle.

Distribution and location

Any given cell may have one or many separate mitochondria. Liver cells have thousands of these organelles while many single cell organisms have one. The location of a mitochondrion also varies depending on the nature of the cell.

The mitochondria are complex and essential components of every cell. The basic functions of these organelles include cell metabolism, proliferation and aging. It is one of the many fascinating components of the biological world and definitely one of the most important organelles in the human body.