Mitochondria

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria are responsible for producing the majority of the cell's energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration.

Structure of Mitochondria

Each mitochondrion is composed of two membranes - an outer membrane and an inner membrane. The inner membrane is highly convoluted, forming structures called cristae, which increase the surface area for ATP production. Inside the inner membrane is the mitochondrial matrix, where many of the chemical reactions of cellular respiration take place.

Function of Mitochondria

The primary function of mitochondria is to generate ATP through the process of cellular respiration. This involves the breakdown of glucose and other organic molecules in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. Mitochondria also play a role in regulating cellular metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and triggering cell apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Study Guide

What is the function of mitochondria?
Describe the structure of mitochondria.
What is the process through which mitochondria generate ATP?
How do mitochondria contribute to cellular metabolism?
Explain the role of mitochondria in apoptosis.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. What is science?

Vocabulary/Answer key

What is science?

The resources above cover the following skills:

LIFE SCIENCE

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Obtain information from literature and other media to illustrate that there are many different kinds of living things and that they exist in different places on land and in water (e.g., woodland, tundra, desert, rainforest, ocean, river).

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Make observations from media to obtain information about Earth’s events that happen over a short period of time (e.g., tornados, volcanic explosions, earthquakes) or over a time period longer than one can observe (e.g., erosion of rocks, melting of glaciers).

Collect and evaluate data to identify water found on Earth and determine whether it is a solid or a liquid (e.g., glaciers as solid forms of water; oceans, lakes, rivers, streams as liquid forms of water).