What is a mitochondrial membrane?

For the purposes of the definition, the term mitochondrial membrane may mean the inner or external membrane of the mitochondrial cell depending on the context in which this term is used. As such, the membranes associated with mitochondria are identified as inner mitochondrial membrane or external mitochondrial membrane. The outer membrane of the Mitochondrion is smooth and surrounds the whole organelle. Compared to the fact that the inner mitochondrial membrane forms Cristae, a twisted rotation path reminiscent of brain folds. Organisms with complex cellular structures based on membranes, including plants, animals and humans, are known as eukaryotes. All oxygen -dependent eukaryots have mitochondria. Mitochondria occurs within each of the cells of eukaryote and are responsible for the production of Adenosin Triphosphate (ATP), a source of chemical energy derived from oxygen and various nutrients.

in high -performance magnification, mitochondria present as an oval or elongated shape, with a double membraneNou and inner areas known as a matrix. There are many mitochondria in one cell, with precise shapes and size dependent on a specific type of cell. In addition, mitochondria of one organism has a different appearance than the appearance of another organism.

It is the task of mitochondria to perform aerobic breathing, the process of conversion of oxygen and nutrients to etc. This process occurs along Cristae or the inner mitochondrial membrane by means of enzymes built into the membrane and proteins from the matrix. Once ATP is made, the cell uses the chemical as a source of energy to allow cell movement, cell division and other metabolic function.

While the internal mitochondrial membrane is assisted by ATP production serves external mitochondrial membrane as a filter. Using a protein called porin, the outer membrane forms channels that only allow the molecules to enter a mitochondria. Once they are inside, the molecules are furtherfiltered by the internal membrane. Only those molecules that are predetermined as essential for ATP production can pass through the internal membrane.

Internal and external mitochondrial membranes serve an important purpose for the overall function of mitochondria. Although both of them serve the purpose, most organelle activity includes internal mitochondrial membrane and matrix. When considering the size comparison, Cristae is significantly larger than the outer membrane, thanks to its twisted, intricate nature. With a larger surface area of ​​Cristae, each Mitochondrion is able to host more enzymes needed to produce etc., giving the cell more energy for operation.