Give an Account of Mitochondrial Structure and Atp Synthetic Function and Describe the Importance of Atp in the Maintenance of Membrane Potential and Cell Volume.

ESSAY

GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF MITOCHONDRIAL STRUCTURE AND ATP SYNTHETIC FUNCTION AND DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF ATP IN THE MAINTENANCE OF MEMBRANE POTENTIAL AND CELL VOLUME.

Introduction

This essay aims to describe the structure and overall function of mitochondria in cells and their unique involvement in the synthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria are organelles found in the cytoplasm of each cell and function in cellular respiration. ATP is an energy source produced during cellular respiration. ATP has many bearings on the overall function of the cell including the membrane potential and cell volume.

This essay aims to describe in detail the synthesis of ATP through the complex processes of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and results in the production of a molecule called pyruvate which then moves into the matrix of the mitochondria and begins a series of reactions called the citric acid cycle resulting in the formation of ATP.

The goal will be to inform the reader of the complex reactions that occur to generate ATP.

The Structure of Mitochondria

Mitochondria are an essential organelle in all cells of the body, bar mature red blood cells, as they function to produce most of the energy of the cell. Mitochondria vary in size and shape, but are mostly elongated oval – shaped organelles. Mitochondria are mobile, thus circulating the cell and accumulating at the main sites of energy requirement. For example, liver cells can contain as many as 2000 mitochondria whereas inactive cells will contain much fewer 1

Although mitochondria vary considerably in their size and shape, their structure is the same, each consisting of an outer membrane, an inner membrane, a narrow intermembranous space and the matrix. The outer membrane is a smooth, relatively permeable membrane as it contains porin, a pore – forming protein, therefore allowing small molecules to pass through. Enzymes...