Human biology - Mitochondria function and cellular metabolism

What are the functions of the mitochondria?

ATP generation (oxidative phosphorylation): Completing modification of stereo lipid: - converts cholesterol into stereo lipids. Initiating programmed cell death (apoptosis): - As oxidative phosphorylation is required for cell to live, some inducers of apoptosis target mitochondria.

Outline the process of oxidative phosphorylation -> energy production

ATP is energy Co-ensymes come from the krebs cycle (also in the mitochondria) and other metabolic processes (some are in cytoplasm)

How do mitochondria interact with the cytoplasm?

cytoplasm breaks down food with enzymes to a form that the mitochondria can use. This enters the mitochondria and is converted into ATP through various reactions. This ATP then exits the mitochondria and allows the cytoplasm processes to continue.

Mitochondrial poisons

- Uncoupling agents (interrupts ATP synthase) - inhibitors (inhibit cytochrome c)

What is the structure of a mitochondria?

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What is cellular metabolism?

Refers to the chemical reactions that take place in a cell: Anabolic (synthetic) - ATP synthesis - Protein synthesis Catabolic (breakdown) - ATP break down - glucose breakdown - protein breakdown