CMB REPORT SYCHELLE LOUISE SHAIRA MILLER

Agudal, Shairalyn F.
BS Biology 3C CMB
Reporting Script
Introduction
Good morning, everyone. I know all of us here are familiar with Mitochondria
already. So, what is mitochondria? Well, Mitochondria, often called the
"powerhouses of the cell," are essential organelles in most eukaryotic cells. They
are found inside the cytoplasm and essentially function as the cell’s “digestive
system. These dynamic structures play a crucial role in cellular energy production,
converting nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's energy
currency.
They play a major role in breaking down nutrients and generating energy-rich
molecules for the cell. Many of the biochemical reactions involved in cellular
respiration take place within the mitochondria. The term ‘mitochondrion’ is
derived from the Greek words “mitos” and “chondrion” which means “thread”
and “granules-like”, respectively. It was first described by a German pathologist
named Richard Altmann in 1890.
Mitochondria Diagram:
St
Functions of Mitochondria
The most important function of mitochondria is to produce energy through

the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Other functions include; Regulating
the metabolic activity of the cell and promoting the growth of new cells and cell
multiplication. Helps in detoxifying ammonia in the liver cells. It also plays an
important role in apoptosis or programmed cell death. Responsible for building
certain parts of the blood and various hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Furthermore, It Helps in maintaining an adequate concentration of calcium ions
within the compartments of the cell. It is also involved in various cellular activities
like cellular differentiation, cell signaling, cell senescence, controlling the cell cycle,
and also in cell growth.
Structure of Mitochondria:
 The mitochondrion is typically oval-shaped with a double-membraned, rod-
shaped structure found in both plant and animal cells.
 Its size ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometers in diameter.
 The structure comprises an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a gel-
like material called the matrix.
 The outer membrane is smooth, while the inner membrane is highly folded,
forming cristae.
 The outer membrane and the inner membrane are made of proteins and
phospholipid layers separated by the intermembrane space.
 The outer membrane covers the surface of the mitochondrion and has a large
number of special proteins known as porins.
 Also, the space between the two membranes is called the intermembrane
space, and the space enclosed by the inner membrane is the mitochondrial
matrix.
Parts of Mitochondria and Their Functions
Mitochondria are complex organelles with distinct parts, each playing a crucial role
in cellular energy production. Here's a breakdown of the key components:
1. Outer Membrane
 Smooth and porous, allowing the passage of small molecules. Encloses the
entire mitochondrion, separating it from the cytoplasm.
2. Intermembrane Space
 The narrow space between the outer and inner membranes. Contains
proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, a process that generates ATP.
3. Inner Membrane
 Highly folded to form cristae, increasing the surface area for energy
production. Contains electron transport chain proteins and ATP synthase,
essential for oxidative phosphorylation.
4. Cristae
 The inner membrane of mitochondria is rather complex in structure. It has
many folds that form a layered structure called cristae, and this helps in
increasing the surface area inside the organelle. The cristae and the proteins
of the inner
membrane aid in the production of ATP molecules. The inner mitochondrial

membrane is strictly permeable only to oxygen and ATP molecules. Several
chemical reactions take place within the inner membrane of mitochondria. Its
function was to provide a larger surface area for electron transport chain
complexes and ATP synthase, maximizing ATP production.
5. Mitochondrial Matrix
 The mitochondrial matrix is a viscous fluid or a gel-like substance enclosed by
the inner membrane that contains a mixture of enzymes and proteins. It also
comprises ribosomes, inorganic ions, mitochondrial DNA, nucleotide
cofactors, and organic molecules. Contains enzymes, mitochondrial DNA
(mtDNA), ribosomes, and other molecules involved in various cellular
processes, including the citric acid cycle and fatty acid oxidation.
6. Porins
 Large protein channels that span the outer mitochondrial membrane. Allow
the passage of molecules up to a certain size, making the outer membrane
permeable to ions and small molecules.
7. ATP Synthase
 A complex enzyme located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Utilizes the
energy stored in the proton gradient across the inner membrane to
synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This process is known as
oxidative phosphorylation.
8. Ribosomes
 Protein synthesis machinery found in the mitochondrial matrix. Translate
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into proteins essential for mitochondrial function,
such as those involved in oxidative phosphorylation.
9. Granules
 Small, dense particles found in the mitochondrial matrix. They are likely
involved in the storage of calcium ions, which play a role in various cellular
processes, including muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release.
10. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
 A small, circular DNA molecule located in the mitochondrial matrix. Encodes
for a small number of proteins essential for mitochondrial function, including
some subunits of the electron transport chain and ribosomal RNA. It is
inherited maternally.
Specialized Properties/ Characteristics:
 Semi-Autonomous: Mitochondria have their DNA, which is separate from
the nuclear DNA. This allows them to replicate independently.
 Dynamic Nature: Mitochondria are constantly changing shape and fusing.
This dynamic behavior is essential for their function.
 Maternal Inheritance: In most organisms, mitochondria are inherited
maternally. This means that mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mother
to offspring.
 Self-Replication: Mitochondria can replicate themselves through a process
called binary fission.
 Own Genetic Material: They possess their DNA, known as mitochondrial
DNA (mtDNA), which encodes for some of the proteins involved in cellular
respiration.
 Role in Cell Death: Mitochondria play a crucial role in programmed cell
death, or apoptosis. They can release proteins that trigger cell death.
Specific Movement and Specialized Cell

Mitochondria do not have specific movement patterns. However, they can move
within the cell through a process called mitochondrial dynamics, which involves
fusion and fission. Mitochondria are found in most eukaryotic cells, but they are
particularly abundant in cells with high energy demands, such as muscle cells and
neurons.
The Role of Mitochondria in Cellular Energy Production/ Cellular

Respiration
Mitochondria are the primary site of cellular respiration; wherein cellular
respiration is the process by which cells convert energy from food into ATP. This
process involves 4 main stages:
1. Glycolysis:
This initial stage occurs in the cytoplasm and involves the breakdown of
glucose into pyruvate. It produces a small amount of ATP and NADH.
2. Pyruvate Oxidation:
It serves as a crucial bridge between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle,
facilitating the continued breakdown of glucose thus, converting pyruvate
into acetyl-CoA. (Coenzyme A)
3. Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle):

Pyruvate is further oxidized in the mitochondrial matrix. This cycle
generates NADH, FADH2, and ATP, and carbon is released as a byproduct.
4. Oxidative Phosphorylation:
Uses the energy stored in the electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) to
produce ATP and the products are ATP and water. The final electron acceptor
in this process is oxygen, which combines with hydrogen ions to form water.
This is why oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration. By the end of these
steps, the energy stored in glucose is harnessed to produce ATP, which is
then used by the cell to perform various functions.
Disorders Associated with Mitochondria
Any irregularity in the way mitochondria function can directly affect human health,
but often, it is difficult to identify because symptoms differ from person to person.
Disorders of the mitochondria can be quite severe; in some cases, they can even
cause an organ to fail.
Mitochondrial diseases:
 Alpers Disease - a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that
primarily affects the brain and liver. It is often fatal in early childhood.
 Barth Syndrome - a rare X-linked disorder primarily affecting males. It is
characterized by heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), skeletal muscle
weakness, and neutropenia (low neutrophil count).
 Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) - a rare mitochondrial disorder that affects
multiple organs, including the heart, eyes, and nervous system.
Conclusion
Overall, to sum up, Mitochondria are essential organelles that play a vital role
in cellular energy production and other cellular processes. Beyond their primary role
in energy production, mitochondria also contribute to other cellular functions. Their
unique characteristics, including their DNA and the ability to replicate
independently, highlight their evolutionary significance and their intricate
relationship with the cell. It makes them indispensable for the survival of eukaryotic
cells. Furthermore, their ability to harness energy from nutrients and convert it into
a usable form is essential for life as we know it.

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Agudal, Shairalyn F.

The most important function of mitochondria is to produce energy through

membrane aid in the production of ATP molecules. The inner mitochondrial

Specific Movement and Specialized Cell

The Role of Mitochondria in Cellular Energy Production/ Cellular

3. Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle):

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