Respiration basics

Respiration

The process whereby energy stored in complex organic molecules is transferred to ATP

• ATP provides the immediate source of energy for biological processes 

Need for cellular respiration

Living things need energy for things like DNA replication, cell division & protein synthesis, as well as:

Plants

• Photosynthesis, active transport

Animals

• Muscle contraction, maintaining body temp

Structure of mitochondrion

Cristae

Function: To hold the enzymes in place in the electron transport chain

Adaptation: Folded inner membrane, Large S.A.

Mitochondria Outer Membrane

Function: Controls what enters/leaves/compartmentalisation

Adaptation: Phospholipid bilayer  

Intermembrane space

Allows for proton gradient to build up

• Is where proteins pumped into by ETC

• Small area, so conc builds quickly

Matrix (In cristae)

Function: Where Krebs cycle takes place

Adaptation: Has enzymes for the reaction 

MtDNA

Function: Makes enzymes