5.7.3(The structure of the mitochondria)

Describe the structure of the mitrochondira

• Consists of:

  • outer membrane

  • Inner membrane

  • Matrix

  • Cristae

  • Ribosomes

  • Mitochondrial DNA

Describe the 8 adaptations which mitochondria have

• Inner membrane folded into cristae

• Intermembrane space between inner and outer membrane

• Matrix

• Electron carriers embedded within inner membrane

• Impermeable inner membrane

• Outer membrane contains carrier proteins and channel proteins

• Stalked ATP synthase enzymes located on inner membrane

Explain how the Inner membrane folded into cristae is an adaptation to the mitochondria’s function

• Increases surface area to hold electron carriers and ATP synthase

Explain how the Intermembrane space between inner and outer membrane is an adaptation for the function of the mitochondira

• Compartmentalisation of ions to allow formationn of H+ gradient

Explain how the matrix is an adaptation to the mitochondria’s function

• Contains mitochondiral DNA and enzymes for aerobic respiration

  • Contain oxaloacetate

Explain how electron carriers embedded within inner membrane is an adaptation to the mitochondria function

• Localisation of enzymes needed-

Explain why the impermeable inner memrbane is an adaptation to the mitochondria’s function

• Maintains H+ gradient

Explain why the outermembraine containsing carrier proteins and channel proteins is an adaptation to the mitochondrias function

• To allow movement of moelcules such as ATP and pyruvate in and out of the mitochondria

Explain how stalked ATP synthase enzymes located on the inner membrane is an adaptation of the mitochondria to its function

• ATP synthase is positioned where protons move through to drive the action of the enzyme

Explain why looped mitochondrial DNA is an adaptation to the mitochondria’s function

• Genes for synthesis of mitochondrial proteins

Describe the process of the electron transport chain

• Each electron carrier protein contains a cofactor - A non-protein haem group that contains an iron ion

• The iron can become reduced(Fe2+) by losing an electron or oxidised(Fe3+) when donating an electron from the next electron carrier

• Electron carrier proteins are oxido-reductase enzymes