question_answer 50)

  Justify the statement, 'Mitochondria are power houses of the cell'.

Answer:

                  Mitochondria is a sausage shaped or cylindrical structure having a diameter of 0.2 to 1.0p,m and length 1.0-4.1 . Each mitochondrion is a double membrane bound structurewith outer membrane and inner membrane dividing its lumen distinctly into two aqueouscompartments. The inner compartment is called matrix and outer one forming infoldings is called cristaetowards the matrix. These cristae are associated with an increase in surface area. The mitochondria are the actual sites of aerobic respiration. They produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, hence are called as power house of the cell. This ATP generated is used in performing vital functions by the organism. The matrix ofmitochondria also possess a single circular DNA molecule of .itself and a few RNAmolecules, ribosomes (70S) and the compartments required for the protein synthesis.