Most human cells, animal cells, and plant cells contain hundreds or even thousands of mitochondria.
This article describes the structure and function of mitochondria and explains how they affect your body and health.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Mitochondria Quick Facts
All living things are composed of cells.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Each cell contains structural components called organelles (almost like mini organs) with specific functions.
Mitochondria are a jot down of organelle.
Location in Body
Mitochondria are distributed throughout the body.
Every tissue and organ in the body is composed of cells, and most cells have many mitochondria.
Some cell types have more mitochondria than others due to their energy needs.
The body’s cells are enclosed by a cell membrane.
They have a nucleus, which holds the genetic material, and acytoplasm, which holds the organelles.
The mitochondria, like other organelles, are located in the cytoplasm.
The membranes are composed of a combination of fat and protein.
The inner membrane has several folds calledcristae.
The area enclosed by the inner mitochondrial membrane is called the matrix.
What Do Mitochondria Do?
The mitochondria also have some other roles that are not as well understood as ATP production.
Energy Production
Energy production is the best-recognized and comprehensively studied aspect of mitochondrial function.
The structures within this organelle are able to generate ATP through a multistep chemical process.
Two major processes of this production (the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) take place in the mitochondria.
The ATP that is produced can be stored in the cell.
A healthy cell requires efficient production of ATP to meet its energy needs.
Cell Death
Apoptosisis cell degeneration that is controlled.
Cell degeneration can occur as part of growth and development or as a natural part of aging.
Additionally, cell degeneration can occur as a result of damage or disease.
The mitochondria play a role in programmed cell degeneration and damage-induced degeneration.
The mitochondria release enzymes (substances that mediate chemical reactions) that lead to the death of the cell.
Functions that involve mitochondria include:
What Happens When Mitochondria Doesnt Function Like It Should?
Some mitochondrial diseases are inherited.
The hereditary pattern of mitochondrial disease is very complicated.
Examples include cancer,Parkinsons disease, andHuntingtons disease.
These diseases can cause mitochondrial damage, and damage to the mitochondria can worsen the disease.
Summary
The mitochondria are abundant throughout the body.
Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to disease, and it can also be triggered by disease.
Protasoni M, Zeviani M.Mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics in normal and disease conditions.Int J Mol Sci.
2022;14(5):a041038.
