cells in any living organisms have special organelles that move, operate, merge with each other and breed.They are called mitochondria or chondriosomes.Such structures are contained in the cells of protozoa and the cells of plants and animals.For a long time in the study of the structure and function of cell mitochondria were studied because it was of particular interest.
Indeed, at the cellular level, the mitochondria perform specific and very important feature - the energy is in the form of adenosine triphosphate.This key nucleotide metabolism in living organisms, and converting it into energy.ATP acts as a universal source of energy necessary for the occurrence of any biochemical processes in the body.This is the main function of mitochondria - maintain vital functions at the cellular level due to the formation of ATP.
processes occurring in the cells for a long time, scientists were of particular interest, because it helps to better understand the structure and capabilities of the organism.The process of knowledge always takes a long time.So Karl Lohmann in 1929 opened adenosine triphosphate, and Fritz Lipmann in 1941 figured out that it is the main supplier of energy in cells.
structure of mitochondria
Appearance is the same interest as the function of mitochondria.The sizes and shapes of these organelles are unstable and may vary depending on the kinds of living beings.Described averages the filamentous mitochondria and granular, consisting of two membranes, has dimensions of 0.5 mikromillimetra in thickness, and the length can reach 60 mikromillimetrov.
As mentioned above, scientists have long been trying to understand the question, what is the structure and function of mitochondria.The main difficulties have been with enough equipment development, because to learn other ways a microcosm virtually impossible.
In animal cells, mitochondria contain more than in plant cells because animal energy conversion from an evolutionary point of view is more important.However, to explain these processes is difficult, but in plant cells such functions take on mainly chloroplasts.
mitochondria in the cells can be located in many different places where there is a need for ATP.It can be said that mitochondrial quite universal structure, so they may appear in different places.
mitochondrial function
The main function of mitochondria - synthesis of ATP molecules.This kind of power station cells that due to the oxidation of various organic compounds releases energy at the expense of their decay.
main source of energy, ie,compound used for the decomposition is pyruvic acid.She, in turn, the body gets from proteins, carbohydrates and fats.There are two ways of energy production, with mitochondria use both.The first relates to the oxidation of pyruvate in the matrix.The second is already Kristen organelles directly and completes the process of energy production.
In general, this mechanism is quite complicated and takes place in several stages.Builds long sequence of reactions, the only purpose of which - the power supply of other cellular processes.Keeping the body at the cellular level allows you to save his life in general.That is why scientists have long been trying to figure out exactly how these processes occur.Over time, many issues have been resolved, particularly in the study of DNA and helped to structure the remaining small cell microcosm.Without this, one can hardly imagine it would be the development of this science in general, as well as the study of the human body and highly developed animals.
