Mitochondria

• Mitochondria are cellular organelles found in virtually all eukaryotic cells.
• Their main role is the production of energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• They were first identified during the nineteenth century, however, a real understanding of how they functioned depended on procedures developed until 1948.
• Mitochondria oxidise food molecules; glucoses and fatty acids to generate ATP.

The two main linked stages that occur in the mitochondria are: 

          -Citric Cycle

          -Oxidative Phosphorylation

• The mitochondria differ structurally from other organelles as they have two membranes rather than one. They are highly specialized and separate four distinctive compartments, the outer membrane, the intermembrane space, inner membrane and matrix.
• Mitochondria regulate the production ATP in a series of controlled oxidisation stages in order to meet the cells energy demand. 
• Regulation of the ATP production requires a controlled series of oxidative steps, in order to meet the cells energy demand.  

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